As technology continues to develop at an exponential rate, the options for customization become increasingly important. With the creation of more advanced gadgets and devices, consumers are now able to personalize their technological possessions to fit their unique needs and personalities.
One major example of this is the smartphone market; where major manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung have introduced easy-to-swipe interfaces that allow users to easily customize their home screens, download personalized apps, and create customized ringtones. But the customization revolution expands beyond smartphones, to laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, with a variety of tech accessories now on the market to help add individuality to everyday technology.
In addition to these added features, customization also allows users to perpetuate their brand loyalty. Taking a cue from automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz who incorporated customizable design options into their production vehicles, companies like Sony and Dell have extended this customization trend to the world of consumer electronics. One example is the Dell laptop line which provides customers with the option to choose their preferred specs, color scheme and finish.
However, it’s not only big brands offering customization options. A growing number of small businesses offer personalized gadget accessories through e-commerce retailers like Etsy, allowing consumers to customize phone cases, laptop skins and cable organizers made by small independent crafters.
The intersection between function and form led to the rise of DIY Electronics, which is building prototype hardware using off-the-shelf components. In fact, some highly customizable electronic products now exist solely due to this DIY trend. This has allowed hobbyist designers and makers to build highly personalized and unique products ranging from smartwatches to security cameras.
As technology advances, the possibilities for customization greatly increase. The ability for individuals to express themselves through their personal electronics serves as yet another way to embrace the digital age. Technology is no longer an appliance in our lives that just helps us complete tasks. Instead, it has evolved into an extension of our personalities and lifestyles. The customization trend in the electronics world is one way we can all leave our personal mark on our technological devices, adding elements of uniqueness, personality and style to what might otherwise be a generic experience.
Most evidence of hockey-like games during the Middle Ages is found in legislation concerning sports and games. The Galway Statute enacted in Ireland in 1527 banned certain types of ball games, including games using “hooked” (written “hockie”, similar to “hooky”) sticks. By the 19th century, the various forms and divisions of historic games began to differentiate and coalesce into the individual sports defined today. Organizations dedicated to the codification of rules and regulations began to form, and national and international bodies sprang up to manage domestic and international competition.