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Alvin Lustig, Cover for Industrial Design magazine, April 1954, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Alvin Lustig, Cover for Industrial Design magazine, April 1954, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gift of Tamar Cohen, reproduced courtesy F + W Media, Inc.

Historical Context: Pioneering Industrial Design Discourse

Industrial Design magazine, later known as ID Magazine of Industrial Design, emerged in 1954, a pivotal moment when the industrial design profession was cementing its place in the American manufacturing landscape. This era was marked by rapid technological advances and a burgeoning consumer culture, setting the perfect stage for a publication dedicated to the evolving field of industrial design.

A Platform for Critical Discourse

Industrial Design magazine was more than a mere publication; it was a platform that engaged with the critical aspects of design practice, culture, and business. Each issue served as a comprehensive repository of knowledge, trends, and innovation, reflecting and simultaneously shaping the industrial design landscape of its time.

Annual Design Review: A Beacon of Excellence

Among its various editions, the Annual Design Review held a prestigious spot. It wasn’t just an issue but a celebration of ingenuity and creativity. Covering a spectrum from consumer products to furniture, equipment, environments, packaging, and graphics, the Review highlighted the exemplary and pushed the boundaries of what design could achieve.

The End of an Era: Reflections on the Closure

After 55 years of publication, Industrial Design magazine folded in 2009. This closure marked the end of a significant chapter in the narrative of industrial design. It was a transition period, as the digital age ushered in new platforms, and the traditional print medium struggled to retain its foothold.

Sources

Woodham, J. M. (2006). A dictionary of modern design. Oxford University Press.

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