Innovation For Its Own Sake Solves Nothing
How the latest gadgets increase your stress and dissatisfaction.
Recently I was a served a video by the all-knowing algorithm about terrible design. In it the artist Walton Ford is lamenting the introduction of the keyless fob for cars. The idea of a car simply opening as you approach due to the proximity of the key seems, at first, like something out of Star Trek (I still get a kick out of automatic sliding doors!), but when you think about it, it’s a terrible piece of design in so many ways as he explains:
It’s bad for the planet. It’s complicated. It’s not easily replaceable. It’s easy to have it break or malfunction.
In the comments below the IG video are plenty of pro-fob fans making the case that often the metal key is integrated into the fob and that the likelihood of boiling your key or running over it with a tractor are unlikely. But I think they’re missing the point. The metal key is the simplest, safest, most robust solution to get into your car. It requires no batteries or plastic (both bad for the planet), it cannot be bricked by the manufacturer or become the victim of planned obsolescence. It just works.
This example got me thinking about other types of design and technology that I find hostile to both people and planet and top of my list is Bluetooth headphones!
I resisted Bluetooth headphones for a longtime, which was tough as I consider myself something of an audiophile and there were all sorts of tempting designs from my favourite brands. However, when I upgraded my phone I was presented with a free pair along with the device. The shiny buds, like large black pearls, stayed in their case for weeks because I’m no fool, I know how this works. Tech companies are like drug dealers; they give you a free taster in the hope you’ll get addicted. Eventually curiosity got the better of me and so, once my charger was free from my phone (because of course the earbud charger was extra), I plugged it into the case and fueled up the buds to try the next day.
I drove to work that day listening to the car radio but after completing my first assignment I felt the need to go for a walk and clear my head before moving on to the next. Excitedly I put my phone in my pocket, grabbed my virgin earbuds and headed downstairs for a wireless stroll by the Singapore River. I tentatively inserted the left bud followed by the right, took my first couple of strides, and felt the right one come lose and fall to the floor before watching it roll down the path and straight into the river. Thanks goodness I didn’t pay the S$279 retail price.
Several months later and with the pain of losing my first earbud beginning to fade (the other sits forlornly in its case in our junk drawer - I have no idea what to do with it), I found myself in the UK, home of one of my favourite brands Cambridge Audio. I have their CX61 amp and CXC CD player, both of which I am very happy with and noticed they had a massive sale on their own Bluetooth earbuds, which were down from £149.99 to £49.99. I couldn’t resist such a great bargain so bought a pair and charged them up. The next day I tried to connect them to my phone but found I needed to download an app first. No problem, but though the earbuds could connect to my phone the left one would not connect to the app, which it needed to because it couldn’t function without a firmware update.
After many attempts I complained (and complained and complained), and finally convinced them that uninstalling and reinstalling the apps half-a-dozen times definitely doesn’t fix the problem, Cambridge Audio replaced them. This time the left one wouldn’t even connect to the phone. So, that’s three sets down. One to go.
Finally, I purchase a tablet and, guess what, it came with a free set of earbuds valued at S$179.99 and they only bloody work! However, it’s now been so long since I upgraded my phone that when I try to use it with the new buds the Bluetooth drains my battery in minutes so it’s just not worth it.
And that’s when I finally gave up on Bluetooth headphones and switched back to a pair of S$20 AKG Type-C earphones that don’t need charging, never run out of battery, always work and experience no latency when using them for a Zoom call.
So-called “innovation” for its own sake benefits companies in the quest for eternal growth, but rarely their customers. As I write this, sitting in a Marmalade Pantry at ION Orchard, the couple next to me - who popped in for a pleasant brunch together - have spent the last 20 minutes arguing with the waitress and each other about their malfunctioning Apple Pay system and have had to cancel their order, which is already underway, and leave. I don’t know which piece of tech was at fault; the card, the app, the phone, the terminal, or even the user, but I know that the simple pleasure of getting brunch together has been ruined for them today. And don’t even get me started on the QR code menus!
What other technologies are making life for humans more, not less, stressful?
Recommendations Without Explanation
Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey @ SAM. The first major solo exhibition in SEA dedicated to the work of the Icelandic-Danish artist who employs diverse media to touch on themes such as embodiment, experience and perception, as well as the urgency of climate action and more-than-human perspectives. Open 10th May to 22nd September.
Wonderland. Veteran Singaporean actor Mark Lee stars alongside Peter Yu and Xenia Tan in this local story of two middle-aged fathers who bond over their love for their daughters. Set in 1980s Singapore, Wonderland depicts the profound joy and companionship of friendship in one’s silver years, highlighting the importance of community ties in an era of rapid change and progress. Opens 8th August.
Shutters E.P. by Twin Mono feat. Mike Goward. Euphoric D’n’B from the LBB (London Borough of Bromley)
That’s all from me, have a great Sunday! Nx