What's All the Fuss
About Memphis Design?
Briefly forgotten, but by no means gone, Memphis—a phenomenon that shook the design world—is creeping back into the mainstream. At this year's Salone del Mobile, signs of its re-emergence were widespread. Original Memphis, which peaked from 1981 to 1987, illustrates the hallmarks of postmodern '80s design: strong geometric motifs, mixed materials, clashing and saturated colors, and a repudiation of anything streamlined and tasteful—a veritable "shotgun wedding between Bauhaus and Fisher-Price."
DesignBytes
Confederate Motorcycles
Confederate Motorcycles prides themselves on using extremely considerate design to transform their bikes into super-charged, sculptural masterpieces. Creating what can be called a vision of the essence of American motorcycles seen through powerful sculptural design.
DesignBytes
ID Rocks!
Awesome Career Choices Students May Not Realize
Economic Times: As a career, industrial design is a great fusion of art and engineering. The problems are challenging, the work is varied and creative and design consultancies have some of the best work environments and cultures you could ask for. And at the core of it all, you're tasked with answering the question, "What sort of future do we want to live in?"
DesignBytes
Real or Copycat: Authenticity in Design?
Imitation may not be the sincerest form of flattery but replica vendors may operate with impunity and without reprisal. Left: KSP Eiffel Chair (Kitchen Stuff Plus), $40. Right: Eames Moulded Plastic Side Chair (Herman Miller Store), $430. (Left: Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail. Right: Herman Miller)
DesignBytes
Science of Design
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, more companies than ever before are using design as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. In the automotive industry, Buick has emerged as a design leader under Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac and Buick design.