To update the look of SodaStream’s machines and emphasize its message of sustainability in reducing the usage of plastic bottles and aluminum cans, the company hired Behar to create Sodastream International Ltd (NASDAQ:SODA) Source — which he calls a “simple and beautiful object for the kitchen while keeping 21st century values.”
Source: Sodastream.com
A minimalistic approach to console gaming
In addition to fitness bands and soda machines, Yves Behar also designed the Ouya, a $99 game console powered by Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android released in late June.
Source: Engadget.com
Although the Ouya sold out at all brick-and-mortar and online retailers on the first day of its release, reviews have been mixed. Most reviewers praised Behar’s design aesthetics, but criticized the cheap construction of the controller and limited selection of controller-driven games. Most games on Android, like Angry Birds and Candy Crush, are designed for the touch-screen interfaces of smartphones and tablets.
Despite its shortcomings, the Ouya raised an interesting question — could Android-powered consoles challenge the dominance of dedicated game consoles from Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) or Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) (OTCMKTS:NTDOY)?
It’s a question NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) tried to answer with its handheld Android-device the Shield. This is a pricier $299 device that resembles an Xbox controller with an attached display. Reviews have also been mixed, due to its high price tag and hybrid touch screen and controller interface. The Shield definitely isn’t a make-or-break device for NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), which primarily produces graphics cards. The handheld product’s design definitely lacks the minimalist polish of Ive or Behar’s designs.
A Foolish final question — does the designer matter?
Industrial design is only a single part of the manufacturing process, but it is definitely one of the most important steps. Would as many people have bought the original iPhone if it wasn’t designed by Ive? Would people have paid attention to the Jawbone UP, SodaStream and the Ouya if not for Behar’s designs?
Obviously, investors should not base their investments on a single designer’s aesthetics. Yet Yves Behar tends to be involved in some undeniably fascinating projects, such as the upcoming Scanadu health scanner, which resembles a medical tricorder from Star Trek. Therefore, it might be worth following his career to find some interesting companies to invest in.The article Should You Invest in This Designer’s Footsteps? originally appeared on Fool.com.
Leo Sun owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Google, Nike, NVIDIA, and SodaStream. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, Nike, and SodaStream.
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