Lesson 5: Global Product Design

Successful Global Products

Now for some examples of cross culture design that worked and thrived. If possible, examine the product and see if you can determine why the product is a cross-cultural success story.

The i-pod met a need of people wanting to listen to a large selection of music with the convenience of a small size and transportability. Except for the word "menu" on the dial, universal symbols instead of words are used on the dial. The window allows the information to be electronically configured for several languages and different types of script. In addition its ports allow the use of a variety of earphones and connectivity to any computer that stores the songs.

The Cannon printer has several cross-cultural features. First, like the i-pod, ports for connecting with a computer allow it to be used by a variety of computers, provided the printer drivers have been loaded on the computer. Second, it is adapted to use the voltage from a variety of countries. Third, the paper holder allows for a variety of sizes of paper, both width and length. This allows it to print in black and white or color on many sizes of paper. Finally, the computer does not use a specific script for printing. The printer head allows for a variety of scripts, languages and pictures to be printed. This means any culture is able to use this printer for the language and graphics unique to that culture.

The i-touch has several features that enhance its cross-cultural marketability. As with the first two products, it uses ports and connections that allow it to connect and use a variety of computers and earphones. Its face also uses images to indicate the application being used. Since each of these are shown electronically, it would be easy to adapt or modify both the image and the language. Since it uses a variety of applications, the user is also able to pick and choose (within some limitations such as space availability) what application best serves their needs.