
Truthfully, I hate a lot of objects but there’s no other object that I hate more than my wallet! Do not be enticed by it’s lovely pattern such as I have been. Firstly, when the wallet is closed, there is a “button” which must be pushed down in order to open it. I have had many people, including myself, tugging sideways on the “button” because it looks more like the clasp on a coin purse. It is a major but luckily the only mapping flaw. The affordance of having a sleek looking wallet, created by a confining metal frame structure, conflicts with a wallet’s main function – holding cash (bills and coins), cards, receipts, etc. Once opened, the wallet is separated into two separate sides.
On side #1, the affordance of having a sleek wallet means that there are only four card slots: I have well over twenty but I am forced to pick only four. Beneath the four card slots is a larger pocket but it is so tightly sewn in that I don’t even bother putting anything in it because I know it will be impossible to take out.
On the side #2, (thank God) there is a larger pocket that expands to hold more content but it’s still useless because the physical constraint of the wallet refuses anything more than a single bill. Sewn to the pointless expanding pocket is a seemingly large coin pocket but, to my surprise (hint the sarcasm), can only hold up to five coins at a time. The usability of this wallet system are clearly visible (slots are for cards, zipped pocket is for change, etc.) and are a given. Best yet, the only good design of the wallet (the graphic design of the outer shell) has started to pill and rip although I’ve only had it for a month so I won’t be surprised if I have to buy a new wallet soon.

While there was an abundance of hated items battling for it’s reign as my-most-hated-object-ever, I had a considerable amount of trouble trying to find an object at which I’ve never once blurted obscenities. In the end, I feel slightly conventional in picking my iPod Touch as the object I love most but what can I say? I just love it! (If I could, I would end my blurb at “I-just-love-it-exclamation-mark”.) To begin, the iPod Touch is a masterpiece in terms of aesthetic greatness. The iPod Touch has not only the functionality of an MP3 player but it is combined with the functions of a video player, a photo album, an Internet browser, and an “Apps” player designed specifically for the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
Although a barrier may be viewed as a notion of negativity, they are the opposite for the iPod Touch. The iPod cannot be activated without pressing the first visible button distinguished by it’s round shape followed by sliding a virtual bar to “unlock” the iPod. This constraint proves to be especially useful when I want to listen to music on my iPod without accidentally changing the song or the volume. The iPod also provides psychological constraints such as the conventions of the “Play”, “Pause”, “Fast Forward”, etc., symbols that are universally recognized. Mapping is almost entirely virtual on the iPod but designed to simulate and sound as if I’m actually pushing a button or scrolling through CD albums. The iPod Touch, though a MP3 player, more so mimics the environment of a computer, yet the familiar knowledge of having icons imply it’s use. The iPod Touch is heavily dependant on visibility.
The affordance of having a touch screen means that someone who is visually impaired is, unfortunately, unable to experience this great product. The affordance of having a cool look means that the iPod Touch is built with a glass screen and a metal backing, both of which are easily scuffed upon it’s removal from the packaging unless a screen protector and case is purchased. I also hate the fact that my battery is drained only after what seems to be five minutes of playing my favourite App, Tap Tap. Regardless, the iPod Touch reached an all time high in the world of innovation and design. It reassures my faith in Apple and remains my favourite object of all time. Now, all I need to get is an iPhone and life will be complete.