iPod concepts, taking design to a new level?

[j_rutherford]

Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. Hi iPodloungers, I'm new to this, so you'll have to excuse any clumsiness on my part.

I'm a product design student in the UK currently writing an extended essay about whether the gap between consumer and designer is getting smaller, with particular reference to technology such as the internet and programs like Photoshop.

I've been browsing through some of the concept designs on this site, which by the way are highly impressive, and wondering what inspired those who did them to do so? A genuine interest in how products like the iPod should develop? A love for Apple products and feeling comfortable enough with them to want to propose concepts? Access to tools like Photoshop making it possible to produce the designs? Being part of communities such as this one, promoting people to share experiences of a common interest? A general greater awareness and interest in design in this consumer culture age?

I have a genuine interest as a young designer in the impact this kind of consumer participation in design could have on the very nature of design and the design process in the future.

I appreciate any returned comments, but particularly those from people that have posted their design concepts for a product on this or any other site.

Thanks.

[Rotterdam]

I myself created this (http://gallery.ipodlounge.com/ipod/displayimage.php?album=toprated&cat=-4&pos=42) concept.

I like fantasising about a big nice house on a giant green hill, a beatiful wife and lots of money and happiness. Also I like fantasising about an iPod that would be able to make me fly or invisible. But at least it should have a phone, color/dual display and a camera, wich should be pretty close to realistic. So thats what I made.

I love using photoshop and if there would be a DVD-playerlounge.com with a similar design section, I'd make a concept too. However, I would not have made this if I wouldn't have been able to upload it to this site.

So I guess it's partly fantasising and having fun creating an image, and partly showing off some skills.

[Phoenixfury]

I'd like an iPod that can make coffie in the morning and go to work for me.. But I don't know if I can bare to be with out my iPod for 9 hour shifts I would ordinarily work. Such a problem. :)

Actually as odd as this may sound.. My ideal iPod is the 4G I already have with the exception of battery life. However my iPodbattery ii takes care of that for me. It's hard to imagine make such a great product better when it already does exactly what I want..

So what about iPod photo.. I think it will have it's own market that can co-exist with the current 4G's, I don't even consider it a replacement, it's a nich product. I just don't think the color screen makes the music sound any better than it already does which is supurb as it is. :)

[j_rutherford]

Thanks Rotterdam, thats just the kind of thing i'm after, really nice concept by the way! Do you have any design experience? or are you self taught, with photoshop and everything?

[Rotterdam]

No experience and self-taught, yes :)

[carsncars]

Hey, I'm 14-- leaning towards design as well. Transport design, hopefully. Here was a concept that I create a week or two ago-- evolutionary rather than revolutionary sorta thing. I know there are a few typos, but I didn't have a chance to proofread like I normally do. ;)

http://www.iownjoo.com/freeimghost/carsncars/ipod15.jpg

Where are you studying? I would like to go to either RCA or Coventry; I don't know how it is for a Canadian though.