The paperclip. According to wikipedia, or, from what I can gather, they're not exactly clear on who invented the paperclip, but I'm going out on a limb and saying that it was invented by Herbert Spencer. Anyway, I have chosen this because it is an iconic piece of design that is purely function over form, although I have to admit, it's not a bad looking piece of kit either way. Also, fun fact: A man called Kyle MacDonald started trading items, beginning with a paperclip, and ended up with a house!
Okay, so, most people who know me know that I dislike the Bauhaus a lot. I'm not discrediting the fact that it was a huge and influential movement in design history, but still. I had to do nothing but Bauhaus related stuff for a whole year at A-level, and I have to say, I was not too impressed. As much as I don't like the Bauhaus, I have to admit that the Wassily chair is a good piece of design to me. It is very Bauhaus in it's 'Function over Form' aspect, though like the paperclip, it doesn't look bad. It actually looks kind of comfy. I always tilt my chair back when I'm sat at my desk, so the tilted seat would probably make this a good chair for me to own. I mean, if I'm already tilted, there's not much chance of the chair falling over and damaging me, hm?
The Coca Cola logo was designed by Frank Mason Robinson in 1885. I considor this to be 'good' design because it has barely changed in over a century, and it is iconic to the point that everybody knows it. It is a design that has lasted years without needing to be changed.
The London Underground 'Tube' Map. This was designed by Harry Beck in 1933, and is now considored to be 'iconic' and has gone down in design history. Royal Mail even put it on a stamp. It is one of the most simple, universally understood maps in the world, and other countries have since adopted the design for their transport systems, such as subways and bus routes.
And finally, the canvas bag. not this one in particular, just canvas bags in general. Personally, I own three Morrisons' Bags For Life, and I take them with me everytime I go. They're really sturdy and hold a lot more, and I like feeling that I'm helping out by not using plastic bags. I learnt a lot about plastic bags during the 'No News is Good News' brief. As well as being 'good' design, the canvas bag fits easily under the 'Sustainability' title too, which is always a good thing.-HJ x
