It took two years of me telling Canon engineers that a…
“It took two years of me telling Canon engineers that a camera is a thing between the human hand and the human eye, so it had to have ergonomics on both sides! They got the message, and we did it, and overnight it was the camera of the world. Everyone - Nikon, Yashica, Sony - all copied Colani.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The anecdote shows how describing a camera as an extension of human senses convinced engineers to prioritize ergonomics, leading to industry‑wide adoption.
In simple terms: He convinced engineers that cameras should feel like an extension of the hand and eye.
Key Takeaway
Design with human interaction at the core.
Themes
design
innovation
ergonomics
influence
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
design
leadership
When to use this quote
- camera design
- user experience
- industry standards
- product launches
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
product development
Questions to Reflect On
- What other factors should balance ergonomics in design?
- How can you test ergonomic concepts early?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on ergonomics may overlook other performance aspects.