Apple is a company known for its sleek and innovative designs, but even the best have their off days. In recent years, Apple has released some products that left consumers scratching their heads, wondering how they could have possibly been approved for release. In this blog, we’ll take a look at Apple’s worst ever design, and explore how such a misstep could have occurred.
The product in question is the infamous “Butterfly” keyboard, first introduced on the MacBook in 2015. The keyboard was designed to be thinner and more responsive than previous models, with each key having its own mechanism to register key presses. However, it quickly became clear that the keyboard was a disaster. Users complained of keys that would stick or not register presses at all, making typing a frustrating and error-prone experience.
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. – Steve Jobs
The problems with the Butterfly keyboard were numerous. First, the keys were prone to failure due to their design. The mechanism used to register key presses was extremely delicate, and could easily become damaged or clogged with debris. Apple tried to address this by adding a thin silicone layer to the keyboard in later models, but this only made the keys even less responsive.
Second, the Butterfly keyboard was incredibly difficult to repair. Unlike previous keyboards, which could be easily removed and replaced, the Butterfly keyboard was integrated into the MacBook’s chassis, meaning that any repairs had to be done by Apple themselves. This led to long wait times and expensive repair bills for users whose keyboards had failed.
So how did such a design make it through Apple’s notoriously rigorous quality control process? There are a few theories. One is that the push for thinner and lighter devices had led Apple to prioritize form over function. Another is that the company was simply too focused on innovation and pushing the boundaries of what was possible, and lost sight of the basics of good design.
Whatever the reason, the Butterfly keyboard has become a cautionary tale for designers and engineers everywhere. It’s a reminder that even the most successful companies can make mistakes, and that innovation should never come at the expense of usability and reliability.
In conclusion, Apple’s Butterfly keyboard is undoubtedly one of the company’s worst ever designs. Its numerous flaws made it a frustrating and error-prone experience for users, and its difficult repair process only added to the frustration. However, the lesson to be learned from this misstep is that even the best designers can make mistakes, and that a relentless focus on innovation can sometimes come at the expense of good design.
Apple is a company known for its sleek and innovative designs, but even the best have their off days. In recent years, Apple has released some products that left consumers scratching their heads, wondering how they could have possibly been approved for release. In this blog, we’ll take a look at Apple’s worst ever design, and explore how such a misstep could have occurred.
The product in question is the infamous “Butterfly” keyboard, first introduced on the MacBook in 2015. The keyboard was designed to be thinner and more responsive than previous models, with each key having its own mechanism to register key presses. However, it quickly became clear that the keyboard was a disaster. Users complained of keys that would stick or not register presses at all, making typing a frustrating and error-prone experience.
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. – Steve Jobs
The problems with the Butterfly keyboard were numerous. First, the keys were prone to failure due to their design. The mechanism used to register key presses was extremely delicate, and could easily become damaged or clogged with debris. Apple tried to address this by adding a thin silicone layer to the keyboard in later models, but this only made the keys even less responsive.
Second, the Butterfly keyboard was incredibly difficult to repair. Unlike previous keyboards, which could be easily removed and replaced, the Butterfly keyboard was integrated into the MacBook’s chassis, meaning that any repairs had to be done by Apple themselves. This led to long wait times and expensive repair bills for users whose keyboards had failed.
So how did such a design make it through Apple’s notoriously rigorous quality control process? There are a few theories. One is that the push for thinner and lighter devices had led Apple to prioritize form over function. Another is that the company was simply too focused on innovation and pushing the boundaries of what was possible, and lost sight of the basics of good design.
Whatever the reason, the Butterfly keyboard has become a cautionary tale for designers and engineers everywhere. It’s a reminder that even the most successful companies can make mistakes, and that innovation should never come at the expense of usability and reliability.
In conclusion, Apple’s Butterfly keyboard is undoubtedly one of the company’s worst ever designs. Its numerous flaws made it a frustrating and error-prone experience for users, and its difficult repair process only added to the frustration. However, the lesson to be learned from this misstep is that even the best designers can make mistakes, and that a relentless focus on innovation can sometimes come at the expense of good design.
Image by Freepik
