why did we decide that we didn't need our electronics to be see-through anymore?

In the 1990s, see-through electronics became a popular design trend that captured the imagination of a plethora of consumers.
This aesthetic choice involved using clear plastic casings, allowing users to glimpse inside devices and see the internal components that made them work.
The trend was widely embraced by tech companies for everything from handheld devices to gaming consoles, appealing to a generation fascinated by technology and transparency in a literal sense.

The see-through electronics craze took off in the early 1990s, largely driven by consumer demand for novelty and innovation.
At the time, tech companies were experimenting with design to make their products stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
The idea of making technology "visible" became symbolic of the era’s fascination with “futuristic” gadgets, not just as functional devices, but as objects of intrigue and style.

This trend had a particular appeal to the youth market, who were becoming increasingly tech-savvy.
The ability to see the inner workings of a device like a Game Boy or a pager added a layer of transparency and, in a way, some sort of empowerment, as people were more curious about how their electronics worked.

The most famous example of this trend is probably the Apple iMac G3, released in 1998…
While not fully transparent, the iMac had a translucent plastic shell that allowed users to see parts of the internal components.
Available in bright, candy-colored shades like Bondi Blue and Tangerine, the iMac became a pop culture icon, revolutionizing the way computers were perceived and making them more approachable for everyday users.

Another standout product was the Nintendo Game Boy Color, particularly the "Atomic Purple" version, which featured a translucent case.
The see-through Game Boy allowed players to see the circuit boards and battery compartments inside, which added an extra layer of coolness to a device already beloved by gamers.
Similarly, the Sony PlayStation DualShock controller was another popular product that embraced the transparent aesthetic.

Other gadgets that jumped on this trend included pagers, cordless phones, and even certain types of kitchen appliances…
By making the insides of these everyday devices visible, manufacturers were turning electronics into conversation pieces, blending technology with fashion and lifestyle.

Part of the appeal of see-through electronics was rooted in the fascination with technology that defined the '90s.
As technology became more central to daily life, people were curious about what was inside their gadgets.
Transparent designs played into this curiosity, letting people feel like they had a window into the mysterious world of circuits, wires, and processors.

There was also a cultural aspect to this trend...
The '90s saw a growing desire for authenticity and openness, which was reflected in the transparent aesthetic.
By showing the inner workings of a device, manufacturers were essentially saying, “We have nothing to hide,” tapping into a broader movement for transparency in various areas of society, including politics and business.

The see-through electronics trend also marked a shift in the way technology and fashion began to overlap.
As gadgets became more personal and portable, they transformed from purely functional devices into expressions of individual taste and style.
Whether it was a translucent pager clipped to a belt or a clear-cased handheld gaming device, these see-through electronics became status symbols.

The clear designs often came in vibrant colors or shades, adding to their visual appeal.
Companies began to recognize that people wanted their electronics to be not only useful but also aesthetically pleasing, paving the way for the sleek and design-conscious tech products we sometimes see today.

Like many design fads, the see-through electronics trend began to fade by the early 2000s.
As minimalism took over in the tech world, particularly influenced by Apple’s iPod and later iPhone designs, sleek, solid-colored exteriors became the new standard for most consumer electronics.
The fascination with showing off the inner workings of devices was replaced by an emphasis on clean, polished surfaces that reflected modernity and sophistication.

While the transparent design is no longer ubiquitous, it still pops up occasionally in retro-inspired products or special edition devices, evoking nostalgia for the era. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for the idea that electronics could be as much about fashion and personal expression as they were about function, a concept that has continued to evolve in today's tech landscape.

Though the see-through electronics trend has largely disappeared, it remains a beloved symbol of '90s culture. For many people, these gadgets evoke memories of a time when technology was rapidly evolving, yet still had a sense of wonder and novelty.
The '90s was a period of significant technological innovation, and see-through electronics were a playful way of embracing that change.
Today, collectors and tech enthusiasts still seek out these transparent devices as relics of a unique moment in design history.

In the end, see-through electronics represented more than just a design choice; they were a reflection of society’s growing curiosity about the inner workings of technology and a celebration of innovation.
The trend may be gone, but its influence on the way we think about the relationship between form and function in our devices can still be felt today.
I have a feeling they’ll be back soon anyway…

thanks for reading.
wesley