The use of magnets in design has always fascinated me because there are so many uses for a non-physical (no glues, bolts, fasteners) and non-permanent connection. For the most part, these seemingly awesome and rule-breaking traits are not utilized for much more than holding pictures on the fridge. I believe more companies need to follow the lead that Apple has taken in their innovative use of magnets in design. The magnetic features of my Macbook are a thing of the past now. No longer to I realize that when I open the lid, I don’t interact with any moving parts. This is a monumental change from the design of the iBook latch which featured a very flimsy piece of metal that had to both swing down at the proper time, and stay aligned to attach to the hook on the computer body.

Magnet locations in Macbook

Another improvement over the previous design that is not possible without magnets is the feedback given to the user by the computer. When the lid is close to the computer body, it wants to close. The magnets pull the display and the body together with a satisfying click that leaves the user positive that the computer is closed securely. I can’t think of a better user experience than a computer that wants to close when you close it. Apple’s magsafe power connector is another revolution in personal computing. Millions of laptops have been damaged or destroyed by individuals tripping over cords traversing rooms. This is no longer a problem thanks to one brilliant Apple engineer. This feature personally has saved my laptop from destruction more than a dozen times.

Magsafe connector

Apple’s iMac is also touched by smart design based on magnets. The easily lost remote is able to be fixed to the site of the display in a convenient location by a well placed magnet. This is a small feature, but shows the simplicity of interacting with metal already contained in a product to enable hidden features.

iMac remote secured to display