The History: A Framework
I have a framework for thinking about the history of the button. A proper history needs a story, a narrative. A tale that steps above the facts and dates and puts the tidbits in context. The history of the button is no different. Let’s make the button a character and bring life to this little thing we push to make something happen.
Before the button.
Humans create devices that can be pushed, but they’re all mechanical. Musical instruments such as pianos and various horns. Telegraphs. Guns. Even the first Kodak cameras.
Buttons are novelty.
Electricity first becomes available in homes. Batteries are invented. Electric devices are simple, on and off. The electromechanical switch is born. Doorbells, call buttons, light switches, flashlights. Buttons enter people’s daily lives.
Buttons are convenient.
Buttons are added to devices to create shortcuts to work. Steps are reduced. Radio presets arrive, introducing the concept of saving, favorites, and personalizing the technology.
Buttons promise leisure.
During the Depression, the contemporary view of the future imagined a world where technology removes the drudge from everyday work, increasing our leisure. The phrase “push button” is used widespread in advertising to mean “easy to use.”
Buttons destroy.
Nuclear bombs ended World War II and triggered worldwide fear. Nuclear war was personified by someone with their “finger on the button.” Fear ruled because war was now push button easy.
Buttons provide leisure.
After the war, advancements in electronics led to adding buttons on devices, making them easier to use. The promise of the 1930s began to be realized. Appliances, TV remote controls, and much more used buttons to increase leisure. Remote controls included the first buttons that controlled objects from a distance. Buttons are used widely to automate manufacturing.
Buttons are everywhere.
Computers. Arcades. Home video games. Calculators. Watches. Microwaves. ATMs. Washing machines. Dishwashers. And so on…
Buttons are metaphor.
The graphical user interface arrives. The Macintosh introduces the mouse and buttons onscreen into popular culture. We learn about virtual buttons through software. Anybody can now use a computer.
Buttons are anything.
The Web arrives. The button changes form from rectangles, squares, and circles into nearly anything. Text can be a button. Irregular shapes can be buttons. Anything onscreen can be actionable.
Buttons are culture.
Cell phones. Blackberries. Video game controllers. Car keys. Texting. The thumb generation comes of age.
Buttons are concept.
New technologies allow the button to dissolve into the surface. We can touch the surface to activate something instead of needing a distinct button. We tap object to object to make connections. Gesture technology becomes common. Our relationship with technology evolves to where we instinctually connect with the object itself, touching anywhere, instead of looking for our friend, the button.