With the early prototypes, I held the phone to my ear and…
![“With the early prototypes, I held the phone to my ear and my ear [would] dial the number. You have to detect all sorts of ear-shapes and chin shapes, skin colour and hairdo... that was one of just many examples where we really thought, perhaps this isn’t going to work.” quote by Jonathan Ive](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/b7c/jonathan-ive-3015_chins_with-the-early-prototypes-i-held-the-pho_909561.jpg)
“With the early prototypes, I held the phone to my ear and my ear [would] dial the number. You have to detect all sorts of ear-shapes and chin shapes, skin colour and hairdo... that was one of just many examples where we really thought, perhaps this isn’t going to work.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early prototypes revealed unexpected user‑device interactions, prompting doubts about practicality.
In simple terms: Early designs showed unexpected issues, causing skepticism.
Key Takeaway
Validate concepts with real users early.
Themes
design
human‑centered
technology
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- product development
- consumer electronics
- usability testing
Key Concepts
ergonomics
user testing
prototype iteration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better anticipate user behavior?
- What testing methods reduce surprise?
A Different Perspective
User habits may differ from expectations, limiting adoption.