5 Product Designs That Haven’t Changed in Decades
Technology advances rapidly, new products are introduced, and designs are constantly changing with the times, but sometimes for one reason or another, certain gadgets stand the test of time and remain basically the same as when they were first launched. User praise. So, what are some familiar design layouts? These products are in our daily lives and can be seen everywhere.
1. Keyboard Layout
Everyone is already familiar with the QWERTY keyboard layout when using it on computers, mobile phones, and tablets. This layout has been the core foundation of modern keyboards from the 1870s to the present. If you sit down in front of an original IBM PC from the 1980s today, you’re more or less familiar with its keyboard, and even the virtual keyboard on the touch screen follows this layout.
2. Ethernet Port
The Ethernet connector as we know and use it today started in the telephone world, which is why it looks so similar to the connection hole for a phone line. The actual connection holes themselves have remained largely unchanged and (in most cases) backwards compatible.
3. Apple’s White Brick Charger
If you own an Apple laptop, you can take a look at the charger. The design of Apple’s laptop chargers has remained basically the same for over 20 years. The white brick charger is instantly recognizable and has stood the test of time.
4. DualShock / DualSense Controller
Sony’s dual analog and DualShock controller designs have remained largely unchanged since their introduction in the mid-90s. The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller shares the same DNA as the original PlayStation’s Dual Analog, showing that if a design works well, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
5. ThinkPad Tracking Points
TrackPoint is one of the ThinkPad’s most iconic features, dating back to 1992. The little red circle between the G, H, and B keys has remained a staple of the ThinkPad design, showing that sometimes the simplest designs are the most enduring.
In conclusion, while technology design often evolves rapidly, there are some products and features that have stood the test of time. These familiar design layouts have become iconic in their respective industries, showcasing the importance of functionality and user experience in product design.