Category Archives: Product design

Sublimely utilitarian: The T-1000

Posted on April 1, 2013 by

The objective: This is the sixth in a series of posts showcasing the sublimely utilitarian. To qualify, a product must understand and address its purpose perfectly, must comprise nothing that isn’t essential. But it must also go beyond the expected - it … Continue reading →

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Sublimely utilitarian: Kitchenaid stand mixer

Posted on August 7, 2012 by

The objective: This is the fifth in a series of posts showcasing the sublimely utilitarian. To qualify, a product must understand and address its purpose perfectly, must comprise nothing that isn’t essential. But it must also go beyond the expected … Continue reading →

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Gamma testing

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

What is it? Once upon a time, there was a dedicated team of medical researchers developing a new drug. To make sure the drug cured what it was supposed to cure, and was safe while doing so, the team subjected … Continue reading →

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Just in time

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

The Model T Ford, the first vehicle mass-produced on an assembly line What is it? Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing is an approach to manufacturing that reduces the stockpiling of parts and products to an absolute minimum, instead fabricating them only … Continue reading →

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A Day Made of Glass

Posted on April 11, 2012 by

What is it? A short film released a few years ago by Corning, speculating on how a day in the near future may look, if it can be augmented by the interactive capabilities of high-tech glass. Corning is the manufacturer … Continue reading →

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LEGO Farnsworth House

Posted on March 27, 2012 by

What is it? One in a series of scale models by plastic brick toy maker, LEGO, as part of their LEGO Architecture line. Farnsworth House, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1951), accompanies eleven other scale models including Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd … Continue reading →

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Sublimely utilitarian: H.Due.O umbrella

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

The objective: This is the fifth in a series of posts showcasing the sublimely utilitarian. To qualify, a product must understand and address its purpose perfectly, must comprise nothing that isn’t essential. But it must also go beyond the expected - it … Continue reading →

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The Flyboard

Posted on February 4, 2012 by

What is it? Every now and then, someone invents something so engaging and persuasive, we can’t help but want one. It doesn’t matter if the design is frivolous or dangerous or even wasteful, we can’t help but want one. When … Continue reading →

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Herman Miller vs. Matt Blatt

Posted on November 7, 2011 by

Who are they? Herman Miller is a high-end furniture company that owns the production licenses for timeless pieces including the Eames Lounge Chair (above), the Eiffel Chair and the Aeron Chair. Matt Blatt is a furniture company that specialises in replica designer … Continue reading →

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Safe enough or too safe?

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

What is it? An article published in the New York Times a few months ago, viewable here, asked the question: can a playground be too safe? Is it really necessary to prevent potential injuries on and around play equipment with … Continue reading →

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