Handpicked Software

An infographics designer, Paul Nixon, has posted a fascinating graphic on his blog, NiXLOG. Apple’s introduction of the iPod Shuffle and the Mac mini, he speculates, could be the tipping point that finally drives a real shift from Windows boxes to Macs.

The term “tipping point” comes from Maclom Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, which describes how ideas that may have humble beginnings reach a critical mass that triggers a “social epidemic.”

Nixon points to several factors to support his claim that Apple may be approaching a tipping point, including The Sweet Spot (prices for the iPod Shuffle and Mac mini fall under the “Mass Market Psychological Price Barriers” of $100 for MP3 players and $500 for personal computers) and the “Too Cool To Resist” Effect (the combination of low price and outstanding design makes Apple products even more attractive to the Mac faithful and potential Switchers).

Even if you disagree with the theory and the prognostication (Nixon suggests Apple’s move into the Mass Market could lead to double digit market share within a year or two; I happen to agree), the graphic is an impressive example of information design.