Literary Titan
Shawn Borskyâ��s Untethered: How Visionaries Think About the Mobile-First Future dives into the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, reframing what it means to be truly mobile. The book breaks down eight attributes of mobile-native design, from being non-transactional and empathetic to delighting users with innovative experiences. Borsky also explores how companies can shift from merely offering products to building deep, long-lasting relationships with users by meeting them wherever they are, on any platform or device. Itâ��s part philosophy, part practical adviceâ�"a roadmap for navigating a mobile-first world.
Borsky�s writing style is clear and conversational. He takes a potentially dense subject and makes it engaging. He shares relatable examples, like the hesitation to let someone borrow your phone, a device so personalized it�s practically an extension of ourselves. This anecdotal approach keeps the book grounded while driving home the importance of designing for human connection. One of my favorite sections is "Be Non-Transactional," where Borsky champions the idea of companies offering value without an immediate ask. His example of Nike�s running app, a beautifully designed, free tool that connects users to their fitness goals, perfectly illustrates how this approach builds brand loyalty. He contrasts this with companies like Amazon or Facebook, which, while successful, often leave users feeling exploited. This juxtaposition made me think critically about which brands I truly trust and why. The book�s most thought-provoking argument is about empathy in design. Borsky�s discussion of Apple�s "hard fall detection" feature, which can automatically call for help if it detects a sudden impact, highlights how understanding user needs can save lives. He skillfully ties this to a broader point about designing products that meet needs users don�t yet know they have. While this section is inspiring, it also made me wish for more concrete steps on how non-tech companies can cultivate this level of empathy in their designs.
Untethered is a compelling read for anyone looking to understand the future of mobile technology. It�s ideal for UX designers, product managers, and business leaders in the tech space, but its lessons on empathy, relationship-building, and user-centered design have value for anyone interested in creating better customer experiences. If you�re ready to rethink how you approach technology and relationships, Borsky�s insights will leave you inspired and maybe a little awed by the potential of the mobile-first future.
