Why was clear polycarbonate plastic the defining material for hardware during

The shift toward translucent plastic was driven by a desire to make technology feel more accessible and distinct from the drab, beige desktop PCs of the era^[1]. By moving away from opaque housings, companies like Apple created a sense of openness that set their products apart in a crowded market^[1].

This physical aesthetic mirrored the digital landscape of the time, where the Frutiger Aero style emphasized glass textures, glossy surfaces, and light^[4]. These design choices aimed to evoke an energetic and reflective quality in both hardware and user interfaces^[4].