The Effects of the IPod on the Society - Report Example

DONALD NORMAN CHANGED HIS MIND It is interesting to realize the manner in which Norman has become more ofan experimentalist. Indeed, experience emerges as a very fundamental aspect in the overall life situation. In a way, Norman presents a clear link between phenomena and experience as some of the core factors which govern decision making. The dichotomy between objective and subjective sciences is best understood in the context of scientific discoveries. Surely, decision making in human beings is governed by the conscious cognition and the subconscious or conscious emotion. It is much easy to relate conscious cognition in the general decision making process. However, in the case of emotion, it is usually much difficult to really create the link. For instance in making decisions through emotions, one can be driven by such factors like nostalgia while they might be well aware (through cognition) that such a decision is not really the best (Norman, 2005). The traditional hard science approach in decision making faces much antipathy in the conventional practical situation. It relies much on positivism and logical sense. However, in today’s science, decision making and decision calls for more than mere objectivism. The world is indeed inundated with many situations and options which have made human beings to be accustomed to different experiences. In this regard, in making decisions and designs, it is important to demonstrate a subjective mind that highly promotes experientialism. It is further realized that the reaction of human beings to design normally occurs in three different levels: visceral, behavioral and reflective. The visceral level is very important as it creates the first impression in terms of appearance. In this case, one is attracted by what their see before they can consider such aspects like functionality. Secondly, people are also driven by behavioral factors which include the ability of the item to perform the required needs. Lastly, the reflective level regards the effects of the item on the self-image and satisfaction of the individual. The subjective and post-positivist approach is realized in the design of such products like watches and autos in which case the mere functionality of the item does not really drive people to be interested. In the technological field, image and sound are some of the most fundamental factors that drive people to purchase specific items like computers and phones. The designers of these products should therefore move away from the traditional focus on objectivism and realize the very importance of creating an item which lures people through sight, sound and performance. The products used in everyday life should therefore be designed in a way that evokes certain emotions on the users. Most designers still hold on to the traditional objective ideas regarding science where emotional concerns of the users are not given much consideration in the design process. However, companies like Apple have realized this crucial value and are not only enhancing functionality but also image and visual characteristics of their products. The results are basically the increase in sales as people tend to be attracted visual efficiencies of such products. The subjective orientation places much focus on creating experience on the part of the users. For instance, in information technology, the designers should make products which are identified with specific features such as efficiency. Therefore the present usability design places greater emphasis on such critical factors that create a mental attitude on the part of the consumers who are then driven to purchase such items. PHILOSOPHY--A CRASH COURSE Philosophy is normally a subject of many debates and questions regarding its very nature and its importance in conventional human practice. While some people normally feel that it is almost unnecessary owing to its excessive indulgence in rational argument, the core of the matter is basically with respect to the importance of philosophy in the general human life. In any case philosophy seeks to address fundamental problems in connection to existence, reason, values mind, reality, knowledge and language. It should be realized that it is basically through the study of philosophy that applications such as ethics and politics can effectively be conducted. Philosophy drives all facets of human life from education to technology. In science, philosophy is geared towards the scientific method and how this combination has affected the nature of scientific argumentation and investigation. Conventionally, philosophy is seen to be a bit disconnected from the lives of ordinary human beings. However, it should be realized that everybody is in some way affected by philosophy through its various applications in different areas in life. In technology, the focus of philosophy is basically to study the nature and social effects of technological advancements. Indeed, with the rapid development of technology across the world, it is feared that a shadowing effect is beginning to be realized. Socially, this might be a major challenge and hence the importance of philosophy in analyzing the overall effects of such advancements on human beings and society in general. The present state of philosophy across the world is highly advanced and important considering the complex nature of our societies. Philosophy enables a deep understanding of our culture, language, history, technology and economics. Equally important is the subject of logic which is a branch of philosophy and is greatly important in understanding science and mathematics. Philosophy enhances the understanding of the conceptual nature and the effects of technology which leads to a greater value and sustainable development from such advancements. This is done in view of the fact that technology has not only brought many benefits but challenges as well. The relationship between philosophy and iPod emerges out of the nature of this device which is associated with technological advancement. The iPod has radically transformed the manner in which media is created and consumed across the world. In this regard, there is much apprehension on this garget. The iPod has had rapid impact on information and entertainment as teenagers across the world have adopted it as a major fascination. Indeed, it has totally changed the relationship between people and music (Wittkower, 2008). The effects transcend other aspects of life like education and relationships. People who use the device have experienced much of this wave as it greatly influences the nature of their everyday lives. The profound effect of technology on people is best seen through interactions, education and the general understanding of the self. Indeed, technology has been a solution to many challenges but it is nevertheless another source of even greater complexities. The effects of the iPod on the society can always be illuminated from a philosophical perspective. In this case, one is compelled to look into the interaction and interconnection of people as a result of iPod and how this device enhances that interconnection. In the same way, the effect of the iPod on the general sense of the community emerges as another important point of consideration. Of greater debate is nevertheless the concern that iPod is leading to a deterioration of social skills especially among the users as much time is spent listening to music as opposed to other forms of social interaction. In this respect several philosophical perspectives seem to emerge. It is realized that the iPod indeed affects the nature of social interaction especially when it is used to the excess. As a form of technology, it is indeed a concern to the philosopher the extent of these effects and how the future might appear in relation to such technological developments. GET READY TO BE A SALESMAN Social media has become a platform through which millions of people are able to interactive engage one another. The huge traffic realized in some of these sites is just an indication of the importance of this media across the world. Considering the increased use of social media for networking purposes, it continues to provide an effective platform through which marketers can promote their products. Several organizations have indeed capitalized on social media marketing and are greatly gaining from such ventures. For instance Nike is one classic example of an organization that has hugely invested in social media advertising and has subsequently increased its presence across the world. The idea behind social media marketing revolves around the fact that millions of people visit these sites and are always present for long periods of time. More importantly it provides an effective and efficient ways of advertising products across the world. This is further enhanced by the ability to provide both visual and audio information about a particular product through the internet. The whole concept of marketing has indeed been revolutionized by social media. In the conversation, it is seen that one person is really concerned about the use of social media in social networking while the other party is not really interested in networking but rather uses the social media sites as a platform to promote and market products. Social media provides a fairly inexpensive way of marketing whereby people can directly interact with the products they wish to buy. The sites greatly enhance interaction and customer service between the organizations and the consumers. This personalized interaction is more likely to lead to increased sales in comparison to the traditional modes of marketing. One of the most important aspects in marketing is the need to build loyalty from the clients. Loyalty is better gained through personalized interaction and creating connections with the clients. In this case, the social media sites provide the best platform through which such interactions can be made possible. Many celebrities have indeed realized the value of social media in enhancing one’s presence and have therefore greatly placed much focus in it. In any case, social media sites have greatly enabled many celebrities to become known throughout the world. The beauty of social media in relation to networking arises from the fact that marketers can indeed provide a lot of information about a product or service which might not really be possible through other channels of communication. Any interested party can get as much information as they wish about the products or services they seek. In the case of successful companies like Nike, the focus is not only to market the products but to use the very consumers in marketing the products. This engagement of customers is achieved by allowing the consumers to freely express their views about products and/or services they have used. In this case, the participating customer becomes part of the marketing department of the organization (Evans, 2010). Many mobile phones today enable their users to interact through these social sites and this greatly increases the catchment area of the marketers. Normally, many companies place their advertisements on the social sites in which case they are easily visible to the people who access the sites. Unlike other channels, the social media sites enable the organizations to get relevant information on their products from the customers. This is because the customers can easily give their opinions regarding these products and whether they like them or not. On the total scorecard, it is indeed imperative to realize that social media sites provide much potential in terms of making more money for the organizations. On the other hand, it should also be realized that great care must be taken in the use of these sites in promoting the products. Some organizations have suffered great damages arising from the leaking of confidential information from the organization. For instance employees of an organization can reveal much information which can affect the performance. References Evans, L. (2010). Social media marketing: strategies for engaging in Facebook, Twitter & other social media. Indianapolis, Ind.: Que. Norman, D. A. (2005). Emotional design: why we love (or hate) everyday things. (Pbk.ed. ed.). New York: Basic Books. Wittkower, D. E. (2008). iPod and philosophy: iCon of an ePoch. Chicago, Ill.: Open Court. Read More