News: Computing
Top 5: mouse design
05.12.2008
Forty years ago, on 9 December 1968, at the Stanford Research Institute in California, Doug Engelbart gave the public its first-ever demonstration of the computer mouse. It has come a long way from the humble wooden casing and wheels of the original, and in a way, the design evolution of the computer mouse has gone through phases much like those in the broader art and design world.
1. Logitech's Logimouse C7
This top-five list was inspired by the news that Logitech yesterday shipped its billionth mouse. Logitech is one of those oldie firms that has always been there, chipping away at new ideas - in the past five years, it introduced the world's first laser mouse, hyper-fast scrolling and the nano-receiver, but the original still looks pretty funky.
The Logitech Logimouse C7 was introduced in 1985 for US$95, and while it looks totally retro to us now, it has that utilitarian and functional yet clean design to it, much like the works from the Constructivism art movement that emerged from Russia in 1919.
2. Art Lebedev's Mus2
The mouse gets minimalist and gives conceptual artists a run for their money with the Mus2 from designer Art Lebedev. If you're staring at a mouse cursor on screen all day, why not hold an actual cursor in your hand?
The Mus2 comes in black and white, and is definitely one mouse you would be proud to hold in your hand. And surprisingly, it is pretty ergonomic and easy to hold too.
3. Philippe Starck Microsoft mouse
The mouse really came into its own in 2004 when Microsoft commissioned ultra-hip and talented designer Philippe Starck to unleash his creativity. The result was a futuristic, silver mouse with side buttons and a dividing strip of blue or orange that glowed during use.
4. Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse
When function and design collide, there is always the issue of space and scale in mind. We had it with the Mini Cooper, and then came the mini mouse in teensy dimensions with retractable cable.
Why had we not thought of it before? Maybe because they are a bit too small for everyday use, but certainly a lifesaver while working on the go or with a laptop. Targus, amongst others, produces a cute little compact silver one.
5. Apple's Mighty Mouse
With the Mighty Mouse, Apple basically came along, ripped mouse design open and reconstructed it. What we have now is an all-in-one wireless, optical, buttonless creation that manages to be functional and beautiful at the same time.
Gone is the click button of old, which is replaced with a shell that rests and pivots on top of the main body. Graceful yet simple, and in no way cheesy like these Oriental rugpads.
By Marie Boran
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