Technologically Impaired Design.

There are countless reasons to be upset about the constantly evolving technology. Your hardware is outclassed and unsupported mere moments after your 90 day warranty is up. You need a broadband connection to update your daiquiri blender before you can use it. Or how the latest technology is so tiny you've lost it in your couch with countless Skittles and pet hamsters before you can sync it to include the latest Hannah Montana album you secretly adore.

I'm personally glad we've just stepped out of an era of technologically impaired design. Blu-Ray cover art. It has happened before, DVD cover art fell victim to technologic impairment as well. And I was too young, but I'm sure the VHS v. Beta Battle fell victim as well.

What am I going on about? Look at any Blu-Ray case from the previous 2 years. You may notice that the front is littered with swooping banners and invasive stickers selling the technology more than the star of the movie is selling the flick (the star is the person peeking out from behind the "1080p Brilliant image!" sticker). Turn to the back and there is, literally, a 2 sentence synopsis of the movie.



I'm not one to purchase a movie without having seen, and enjoyed it first. But if I were one of the millions of consumers who keep egging Ashton Kutcher on to "hone his craft" by buying his movies, sight unseen, off the WalMart racks; I really doubt 2 lines help anyone decide to spend the $30 they ask for Blu-Ray movie.

One company that does it right (full disclosure, I'm typing this up on my iMac) is Apple. Even though they crank out innovative technology besting themselves year after year (and causing a number of the problems I mentioned in the first paragraph) they never fall victim to Technological Impairment. Their packaging is always very minimalist, and they sell like hotcakes (provided hotcakes start making 100 Apps. a day for free download)

I'm just glad I didn't have to design any of these covers. With everything but the kitchen sink being included (and NONE of it has anything to do about the movie or it's plot) I would have lost my mind. Instead I sit, mind intact, noticing every bit of stubble on Seth Rogen's mug. Thank you technology.