These are a bunch notes of a on thought that occurred to me during my visit to the thedesignmuseum in London. It explores the idea of timeless and iconic products and what might make them such.
Exhibit of evolution of technology
While strolling through the Design Museum, I stumbled upon a section displaying pieces of technology from different time periods — all laid out (as shown in the picture above). As someone deeply passionate about technology, I was instantly drawn in. Walking around, wide-eyed and filled with awe, I found myself turning a corner into an area titled “The History of Technology.”
It felt like stepping through time — seeing how design and engineering evolved hand in hand, shaping the way we live and create today.
It was in this section I came across a display of products from 3 innovative design driven companies kept side by side.
Apple products at thedesignmesuem
Sony products at thedesignmeuseum
Braun products at thedesignmesuem
Apple classics evolution 2001- 2014
Sony portable media player showcase (1979-2010)
Braun exhibit from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
As i was taking my time looking and absorbing this exhibit something really interesting occurred to me - Here I would encourage you to pause and take a look at this Braun signal radio designed by Dieter Rams in 1978. Do take a few moments to observe the form, design and the impression this product makes on you. As you scroll through the rest of this article I shall share a bit of what occurred to me.
Braun signal radio from 1978 exhibit in thedesignmeseum London
The same can’t be said about the other products in the exhibit, their use of materials and colour seem to belong to period that has passed. The form consisting of complex shapes, curves, accents and highlights that look trendy but don't manage to fit into our current day aesthetic sense.