More and more, Americans are being caught in a dilemma: They love electronic gadgets with lots of bells and whistles. But they’re also frustrated when they get their new toys home and find out they aren’t easy to install or operate.
As a result, the world continues to be filled with poorly designed products, doomed to either gather dust in a bottom drawer or be returned to the store.
But manufacturers are beginning to see the importance of simplifying their products.
In 2004, Philips Electronics introduced its “Sense and Simplicity” program to make its products more customer friendly. Philips found many devices had functions that consumers had difficulty installing or did not use.
Today, Philips has released or is developing a number of products that reflect its new approach.