Mass Produced Object: Cell Phones

Everyone has a cell phone: from grandparents to children, cell phones are becoming an indispensable part of our society.

Cell phones are being designed so they are easier to use: full keyboards encourage texting phenomenons, they are smaller and easier to transport, memory chips allow us to keep more data than ever before. "Smart phones" allow us to utilize the Internet, so that e-mail, map functions, and Facebook are in our pocket. Form closely follows function in the realm of cell phones: if something can be designed to be sleeker, smaller, or better looking, it immediately is.

Cell phone design is of importance to the consumer because whatever phone you choose becomes part of your identity. The device gets used so often, for key interactions with business partners, family, and friends (and that's just the phone portion). When you meet a person with the same phone, you feel an immediate connection, a recognition of a part of you that someone else has.

This mass produced object is so much more than just a telephone: your cell phone is your partner, a companion that is always there to help you and guide you.