old-school fundamental computers and add-ons from my past were bulky and functional, resembling brutalist structures symbolizing technological advancement, designed for use, not for admiration. Nevertheless, during the ’90s, as computers and other technologies entered the mainstream, style and aesthetics began to merge with what had once been purely functional. In other words, as technology became trendy, fashion infiltrated the tech world, and this shift was starkly visible in the emergence of see-through gadgets.
Partly to blame is Hollywood. Films significantly contributed to making technology cool, prompting manufacturers to capitalize on the trend by making gadgets more vibrant and, ultimately, less concealing. Transparent technology offers creators a wider canvas to work on, featuring more surfaces, textures, and even moving components. Today, in a time when information overload is common but everything seems arguably more hidden than ever, and with vintage gadgets experiencing a revival, the return of transparent devices seems almost unavoidable.
Various factors fuel the clear tech Renaissance, but at its core lies a sense of alienation. As media and entertainment become increasingly digital and fleeting, and as individuals feel more disconnected from it, the urge to not only grasp something physical but also to peer inside, to view its structural elements and their functioning, has grown significantly. This is particularly relevant in gaming, where physical media continue to vanish, and many social interactions occur through screens.