19 Most Famous Examples of Influential Product Design
1. Anglepoise Lamp
Thanks to the creation of a new type of spring in 1932, the angelpoise lamp design first name onto the scene, created by engineer George Carwardine. It’s revered for it’s ability to be moved and hold position in any direction.
2. Automatic Transmission
One of the most important yet least appreciated designs. The design of the automatic transmission revolutionised fuel economy and “established the foundation from which future automatic transmissions would be designed and built.
3. Ball Point Pen
When faced in 1938 with fountain pens that would bleed ink or dry out, László Jozsef Bíró invented the ballpoint pen. With thicker ink and the tiny ball bearing controlling the flow, the ballpoint pen became one of the most innovative and most purchased products in history.
4. Bendy Straw
Humans have used drinking straws in some form or another for hundreds of years. The “bendy” straw was patented in 1937 after Joseph B. Friedman noticed his young daughter trying to drink out of a tall glass through a straight straw.
5. Fitbit
One of the newer items on this list, the Fitbit revolutionised the industry of wearable health tech. With a sleek design that fits comfortably and functionally around the wrist, it acts as a pedometer, altimeter and sleep tracker all in one.
6. Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Now one of the most recognised shapes in the musical world, the Stratocaster has been adored for decades by guitarists worldwide. Launched in 1954 by Leo Gender, it features a “highly contoured body shape[…]an innovative tremolo system and “two-tone” sunburst finish.
7. Hula Hoop
The modern hula hoop was born in the 1950s. It was one of the most simple but most popular toy designed ever. During the height of the fad in 1958, over 100 million hoops were sold.
8. Coca Cola Bottle
Now considered one of the most popular and well-known shapes in the world, the Coca-Cola curvy glass bottle was invented in 1915 in an effort to design a “bottle so distinct that you would recognise if by feel in the dark or lying broken on the ground.”
9. Mascara Wand
The modern mascara wand was invented in 1958 by Revlon. Before this, mascara was applied with small brushes. The modern wand allows for easy application and lifting and separating strands to achieve the best look.
10. Oreo Cookie
The number 1 best selling cookie in America since 1912, the Oreo is an innovation, simply sandwiching creme filling between two chocolate cookies. The design has been replicated often in the past 100 years, but the Oreo is a classic.
11. Polaroid Camera
Polaroid recently celebrated 75 years of history. First presented in 1947, the Polaroid was the first instant camera in the world. It’s shoot, pull and shake design is known around the world.
12. PEZ Dispenser
PEZ candies are much older, but the dispenser we know it today was designed in 1948. The ability to offer out one piece of candy at a time was revolutionary and familiar to everyone who grew up in the USA starting in 1952.
13. iPhone
Since 2007, we’ve kept iPhones in our pockets and the design has grown and evolved over time, yet kept the signature clean, minimal and glossy feel that Apple imbues into all its’ products.
14. Post-it Notes
This design came into being by accident! While trying to create a high strength adhesive for planes in 1968, Spencer Silver accidentally created an adhesive that was pressure sensitive and perfect to peel away without leaving residue.
16. Tupperware
One of the most overlooked yet common items in your home, the Tupperware container was revolutionary for housewives in the 1950s. The airtight seal was one of the most intelligent American designs.
17. VW Beetles
Between 1945, Volkswagen sold 40 million models of these unique vehicles. It’s not accredited to be the most-produced car in history.
18. Wurlitzer Jukebox
Wurlitzer introduced it’s classic jukebox in 1946. It was an immediate classic and even though jukeboxes in general have fallen out of fashion, the design is and immediately recognisable 1950s America icon.
19. Zippo Lighter
The best product designs are unmistakable and evoke a specific mood when seen and used. Wrapping up this list is the Zippo Lighter. Designed to combat awkward, wind-susceptible lighters and matches, the Zippo has always been the definition of cool.
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