Industrial Design

The selection of design posts and articles about the last 150 years of industrial design is a fascinating journey through the evolution of modern technology. From the early days of mass production in the late 19th century to the sleek, minimalist designs of today, this collection offers a comprehensive overview of the major trends and movements that have shaped industrial design over the years.

You’ll discover how designers have responded to changing social, economic, and cultural conditions, from the rise of consumerism in the 1920s to the emergence of sustainability as a key concern in recent decades. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic products and brands in history, including Apple, Coca-Cola, and IKEA.

Whether you’re a designer looking for inspiration or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating field, this collection is sure to offer something new and exciting.

Cover of Jasper Morrison in the Minimum Design series, showing a brown chair.

Jasper Morrison: Minimum Design

Gabriele Neri’s introduction to Jasper Morrison, part of the Minimum Design series, with context on his approach to everyday objects.Read More →

Yellow VISIO armchair designed by Simo Heikkilä and Yrjö Wiherheimo in 1980

Yrjö Wiherheimo: Finnish Furniture Designer and Interior Architect

Yrjö Wiherheimo is a Finnish furniture designer and interior architect known for structurally expressive chairs, economical construction and experimental collaborations with Simo Heikkilä.Read More →

Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive designed by Raymond Loewy, streamlined industrial design

The Problem with Streamlining: When Nature Became a Machine-Age Argument

The Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 locomotive illustrates the blend of aerodynamics and design, showcasing how 1930s streamlining influenced both functional and symbolic aspects of industrial products.Read More →

Modern interior vignette with designer furniture, sculptural lighting, seating, textiles and home accessories

100 Essential Furniture, Lighting, Seating and Accessories Companies

A curated directory of 100 important furniture, lighting, seating and accessories companies, from modernist design houses to contemporary manufacturers and homeware brands.Read More →

1965 Chevrolet Chevy II wagon parked outside a suburban home with furniture and rugs being loaded, from an American Home magazine advertisement.

1965 Chevrolet Chevy II Wagon: Practicality as Mid-Century Design

The 1965 Chevrolet Chevy II wagon combined practicality, spaciousness, and style, appealing to suburban families with its functional design, durability, and modern aesthetics.Read More →

Finnish design exhibition featuring modern furniture, lighting, and industrial objects in a museum setting

Finnish Designers and Design: A Legacy of Functional Beauty and Modern Innovation

Introduction to Finnish Designers and Design Finnish designers and design represent a distinctive synthesis of nature, craftsmanship, and industrial production. Emerging strongly in the earlyRead More →

Watrous Floor Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, c. 1950s, displayed on a wooden pedestal.

Gilbert Watrous: Industrial Designer of Kinetic Modern Lighting

Gilbert Watrous, a significant figure in mid-century modern lighting design, is known for his functional, sculptural lamps, notably the 1951 Model F-1-W floor lamp.Read More →

Paolo Parigi Polo chair 1981 adjustable office chair in corporate office setting

Paolo Parigi: Italian Industrial Designer of Functional Elegance

Paolo Parigi, an influential Italian designer, is recognised for his contributions to office furniture, notably the Polo Chair, blending functionality with professional needs in design.Read More →

KUKA Home meditation stool shown in blue, ivory and plum colour variants with organic sculptural form

KUKA Home Meditation Stool: Sculptural Ergonomics and the Design of Stillness

The KUKA Home Meditation Stool combines ergonomic design with sculptural aesthetics, enhancing meditation and mindfulness by supporting cross-legged sitting for improved posture and comfort.Read More →

Corradino d’Ascanio (1891–1981): Engineering Flight, Designing Freedom

Corradino d’Ascanio, an Italian aeronautical engineer, is celebrated for his contributions to helicopter research and the design of the iconic Vespa scooter. His work merged advanced engineering with everyday mobility, shaping post-war Italian identity. Despite his focus on aviation, the Vespa’s global success transformed social norms and embodied Italy‘s cultural renewal.Read More →

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Industrial Design