Miniaturisation has stimulated major advances in design and transformed our expectations about the level of functionality we can expect from products ranging from washing machines to aeroplanes For example, within the last 30 years, mobile phones have shrunk from being the size and weight of a brick to something smaller than a chocolate bar and offer a wealth of connectivity options. Similarly, our cars are no longer simply a mode of transport: they are comfortable, air-conditioned capsules with entertainment and navigation aids built in, capable of self-monitoring and interaction with the user on aspects like traffic conditions, fuel consumption and service requirements.
