Deconstructing Product Design

Walkman TPS-L2

Sony, 1979

1. Progenitor of the now ubiquitous iPod, the Sony Walkman was the first practical device that enabled users to listen to the exact music they wanted, when they wanted, where they wanted. This user requirement was perhaps first understood by former Sony chairman Masaru Ibuka, who was often seen toting a large tape deck with bulbous headphones so he could listen to his music when he traveled. Akio Morita, founder and honorary chairman of Sony, took note of the extremes his colleague was willing to endure to make his favorite music portable, and directed his staff to make a small experimental cassette player with light, comfortable headphones. The Walkman was born. Akio Morita comments: “The public does not know what ...