The iPod and iPhone changed our relationship with technology by making it more personal, emotional, and always with us. Before, we used technology only when needed, like turning on a computer to write or check emails. But the iPod let us carry our favorite music everywhere, and that felt special. Then the iPhone came, and it combined everything—music, internet, camera, phone, apps—into one small device. It became something we hold, check, and interact with all the time. It became part of us.
Because of this, interaction design had to change too. Instead of designing for machines, designers had to think about people first—how they feel, what they need, and how they move. Touchscreens became normal, and we started using gestures like swiping, tapping, and pinching. Buttons got replaced with simple icons. Designs had to be easy to understand without instructions. Also, since we use phones in so many places—on the go, at home, in bed—design had to be flexible, responsive, and quick. The focus became: make it feel natural, personal, and smooth.