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| Tango is a communication device that was designed by Richard and Thomas Ellenson |
The Tango’s small, lightweight size and innovative look means there are no physical barriers between communicators. Instead, the design lets people devote their attention to the message being shared, rather than the speech device being used to share it. The six-button layout of the Tango means faster communication with fewer distractions. The structure speeds up the selection process, helping you quickly say just what you want to – the way you want to – in no time. Tango’s symbols were developed by animation illustrators from the education and entertainment industry, making them especially appealing to children and young adults.
Sadly the Tango! was a classic example of form over function, and for all the praise it got from "experts" in design and communication, it worked for so few people that it is no longer made and resides on shelves. Fewer buttons does NOT mean faster communication - it's the opposite! Fewer means having to hit multiple keys for just one word or letter; with 6 buttons, you need at least two keystrokes per letter of the alphabet!
ReplyDeleteWhat the device demonstrated well was how slick appearance and good marketing can beat actual functionality.