Zen : Design & Function

As an upgrade, I finally bought an iPhone a few weeks ago… after months of consideration, to ascertain that I’m not just another fashionista-tech geek who follows the crowd. I think its very invention is a celebration of ‘Zen-ness’ in design. Yes, the Mac folks are experts of this, which is a reason why I became a Mac convert. Currently, there is simply no other phone that is as minimally sleek in appearance. (And it really is not just a phone; it is so much more… an iPod, an iTouch, a camera, a mini-computer!) I see other phone-makers trying to mimic its style, but they obviously keep missing the concept of ‘Mac minimalism’… with extra bulk, buttons, edges, colours… Sigh… I think I settled for iPhone because I lost hope in the others.

Now, a Zen way of life is not just about aesthetic bareness. It is also about maximal functionality. That’s the wonderful paradox – that which is Zennish looks simple, but it can be ‘simply complex’, while extremely usable. That’s the nature of Zen teachings too. Effectively sharp and shocking – right to the point. The iPhone is also a celebration of open creativity, with a programming platform open to all to create new applications.

Take for instance the application Ocarina, which transforms it into a wind musical instrument! And iStethoscope, which lets you hear your heartbeat via earphones! (Note that some applications are free, while others cost very little.) It’s a mind-opening joy simply to update oneself with what new applications programmers have come up with, whether you buy or use them or not! And I havn’t talked about the accelerometer-based games yet. Thankfully, I’m not much of a gamer! Life is ‘game’ enough. Okay… iPhone is not perfect… lest you think it is. But its shortcomings are forgivable for now – to me at least!

Unrelated Link!
Funny MadTV iPhone Clip 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgZKjJt-TkU

3 thoughts on “Zen : Design & Function

  1. Been looking through Apple Store for buddhist inspired applications for the iphone and was disappointed not to be able to find any interesting ones. How about the ‘Daily Enlightenment’ ebook application on the iphone? As well as “Be a lamp upon Yourself”? Just a suggestion.

  2. Hi isle, we’re in the process of trying to create iPhone versions of TDE. Will update here @ moonpointer.com when available. Not sure if they will qualify for the App Store though; but they can still be made available online elsewhere.

    (~) < iPhone wannabe?

  3. Wow! Looking forward to it.This has opened up another alternative of spreading the Dharma hasn’t it? Amituofo! 🙂

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