Aesthetic Design Including Packaging and Labelling

Shape, Colour and Finish

In 1990 when the original Macintosh LC was released, the standard 'look' and 'feel' of a personal computer had already been established by companies such as Zerox and Apple. The LC (and in turn the LC III) follows in many ways these established design criteria. There are however innovations, the most obvious of which is the 'pizza box' (their words not mine) case shape. This shape was concieved as the most suitable for desktop use as it allowed for a CRT monitor to be stood upon it without raising the screen so far off the desk that use became uncomfortable. The colour of the case was chosen to match the other components and peripherals already available from Apple, specifically the Apple 12" RGB monitor which was, more often than not, sold with the LC series, offering a slight reduction on the overall price. The finish of the product is influenced by previously available hardware in two ways:

  1. It is aesthetically pleasing if all of the components match each other in terms of finish.
  2. The production equipment required for injection moulding (and therefore easily achieving the same finish) will be readily available to them given that they have used this process in the past.

What is it made of and why?

The case is made of plastic. This makes it both heat and electrically insulated and very durable to knocks and drops.

What labelling does the Product have and is it Sufficient?

The labelling on the front of the case gives the manufacturer and the product model. The labelling on the underside of the case gives the following information:

The labelling is sufficient giving all necessary information required to use the product safely and all necessary information on who made it and who would therefore be responsible for service.

What has Driven the Font Size and Style?

The font size is driven by the need for the user to be able to read the necessary information whilst keeping the label to a sensible size. Apple have used their company font - 'Apple Garamond' to maintain their company image.

Back Label

Is it Manoeuvrable?

Yes. The product is both thin and light enough to hold with either one or two hands and the leg (primarily intended for allowing proper air circulation) is cleverly designed to act as a handle when being carried with one hand.

Back Label

The Physical Design

The case is designed with a number of features. The 'leg' with two rubber feet allows for the system fan to expell the hot air out of the bottom of the case. This means that a monitor can be stood on top of the casing without inhibiting the air flow.

Back Label

Handling and operation

The product may have to be moved and this is discussed above under the heading 'Is it Manoeuvrable?'. The product is not operated by hand.

User and electrical interfaces

The product does not have user interfaces as such, the user interface is achieved through the use of peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. The product has electrical interferaces to which peripherals are connected. It has the folowing connectors, all of which are easily accessable on the back pannel:

back panel