Function without Form

I wrote and rewrote this post several times. This concept gave me a hard time in trying to get my point across. We will see how I did.

I think a big reason smartphone users have trouble handling their devices is because smartphones are not shaped and operated like the other electronic devices whose functions they emulate. For example, photography is one of the most popular uses of smartphones, yet consumers struggle with how to grasp, point and take the shot. Smartphone designers included nothing in the smartphone's construction, form, that is intended for using the phone as a typical digital camera.

On the other hand, camera designers make housings and features with the ease and comfort of photographer hands in mind. The housings are thick; the buttons, dials and switches are in spots with photographer fingers in mind; and there is a threaded insert for attaching mounts, holders and stands. Both smartphones and cameras perform the function of photography, but smartphones lack the form needed to easily handle, hold and operate them.

I think the fact that there are thousands of accessories available for taking photographs with smartphones substantiates the concept "Function without Form." After all, one of the most popular products is the selfie stick. #Holdware.