Technology exposure influences expectations for product design
I don't know a world without personal computers.
I was born in 1995, right at the cusp between Gen Y and Gen Z. The same year Microsoft changed how people interact with software with the Windows 95 operating system. It was only a few years prior to the iMac G3, which revolutionized the way we interact with computers.
Technology has evolved rapidly since then. Different generations grow up with different types of exposure to tech which influences their expectations of electronics.
Generational changes are not easy to argue because there are so many exceptions. Even finding consistent timespans of each generation is difficult. These differences really are a reflection of technological advancements, cultural values, world events and life experiences. This is only a glimpse of info through a product design lens.
Gen X (The Forgotten Generation, 1965-1979) may have the best perspective on life before and after the internet. They had to adapt to technological innovation at a time when it was happening at a slower pace than today. From learning to adapt over and over again, they expect devices to focus on simplicity and functionality.
Gen Y (Millennials, 1980-1994) doesn't know a world without rapid technological development. They saw the internet evolve along with all of the devices that came with it. This has given them a deep understanding of technology and how it can be used to improve their lives. These users expect products to be easy to use, accessible and personalized. Global connection is a given for them and for all generations that follow.
Gen Z (Zoomers, 1995-2009) doesn't know a world without cell phones. They understand large varieties of devices and software. Due to all of the pockets of groups on social media, these folks follow niches that resonate with them a little closer than trends. Accepting others based on race, gender and cultural background is also a given. They expect software to be mobile friendly and engaging. They also expect products to reflect their individual tastes and preferences even more than Millennials.
Gen Alpha (Gen C, 2010-2024) is growing up with AI. I don't mean this in terms of ChatGPT, but rather digital assistants along with the insurgence of this year's AI. The "C" in Gen C stands for Covid, Carbon and Climate. They expect products to be intelligent and responsive to what they want. Climate change has been louder than ever, so they expect products to be ethical and sustainable.
Of course, these are all general observations that can't apply to everybody and don't include all factors. This blog didn't begin to touch the impact or implications of growing up in different countries, politics, war, life before or after 9/11 or with Covid-19.
Events shape generations. Yet, technology development may have the most profound impact on what people expect from products. Designing products for user expectations always relies on what users have been exposed to.