Why Does the MacBook Have a Notch? Exploring Design Decisions and User Experience
Companies often introduce design changes to improve user experience or accommodate new features. Notches in displays are typically used to house front-facing cameras and sensors. If MacBooks now have notches, it’s likely for similar reasons—to make space for essential components while maintaining a sleek design. I recommend checking Apple’s official announcements or tech news for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Why the Notch on the MacBook?
The introduction of the notch in the MacBook display is primarily aimed at providing optimal space for the front-facing camera while maintaining slim bezels. This design choice allows for a higher screen-to-body ratio, giving users more display real estate. The display is 64 pixels taller to accommodate the notch effect, ensuring that the camera remains effectively integrated into the design.
In the Finder, when you get info on an application, there is a new checkbox to compensate for the notch. This feature ensures that applications with significant menu bars do not get cut off by the notch, maintaining a user-friendly experience.
Design Decisions and User Perspective
The notch in the MacBook is not a design fail but rather a design decision. Apple wanted both a front-facing camera and thin edges, and they found a way to achieve both.
Some users might find the notch aesthetically displeasing, but it’s important to reframe the term from "notch" to "extra screen space next to the camera." This perspective change can help alleviate initial concerns. The notch occupied an area that was previously underutilized (the upper bezel), making better use of the device’s portable real estate.
Comparison with Other Devices
Windows fans often debate this design choice. Here's a comparison between a Windows laptop and a MacBook with a notch:
Here’s a Windows fanboy telling you it’s better with the notch than without. Here’s a pic of a screen from my model notice the very thick forehead vs. very thin walls, no notch but there is the imperceptible camera punch. Here’s the MacBook notch notice very thin forehead and very thin walls, the area of the MacBook forehead is productive real estate, my forehead is wasted real estate. PC fanboy saying I’d take the Mac thin forehead with a ridiculous notch vs. fat PC forehead and punch.
This comparison highlights the design trade-offs. The MacBook’s design integrates the camera seamlessly into the display, utilizing the entire available space more efficiently. The notch in the MacBook allows for a sleeker, more modern look, rather than the bulky appearance of the traditional upper bezel on a Windows laptop.
Context and Perspective on Notch Adoption
There has been a lot of hype surrounding the notch, and to counteract this hype, it's crucial to look at the context and perspective of the decision. From some users’ perspectives, the initial reaction is often that they don’t like the design, as the notch looks inelegant and seems like an unsolved problem. This was also my initial reaction. The design of the MacBook with a notch looks less elegant.
However, it's important to consider the functional benefits: the center top of the lid is the best position for the iSight camera, and in 2021, a laptop certainly needs a camera. Given these considerations, there are three primary design choices:
1. Place the Camera Under the Screen
This is new technology that has just become available. Even though it sounds ideal, Apple didn't choose this option. The pros and cons of this approach are:
Whole display is used without a notch. Pixels covering the camera might show some artifacts. Some light is lost to the camera, resulting in more noise and a 'glowy' effect to the images captured by the camera.2. The Same Old Design Using a Smaller Screen with a Wide Upper Bezel
This option results in an aesthetically pleasing appearance but inefficient use of wasted space on a portable device, where every millimeter counts.
3. The New Design Extending the Screen Upward
This option provides more screen real estate and integrates the camera seamlessly into the display, utilizing the entire space more efficiently. However, it leads to a notched appearance, which some might find aesthetically displeasing.
Ultimately, Apple’s decision to implement the notch on the MacBook emphasizes the importance of both functionality and modern design. The device remains sleek and efficient, with a camera that functions well and takes advantage of the available space without compromising the user experience.