IDSA mourns the passing of Rudolph W. Krolopp, FIDSA, an esteemed industrial designer and a true pioneer in the field, who passed away on June 23, 2023. Rudolph’s contributions to the industry, his numerous accomplishments, and his dedication to the craft have left an indelible mark on the design community.
Rudolph’s career began in Motorola as a junior designer in 1956. Over the course of his career, he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the director of industrial design in 1982, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. During his time at Motorola, Rudolph played a pivotal role in the design of several groundbreaking products.
His innovative designs earned him numerous accolades, including 27 national and international design awards. Among his most notable projects were the iconic DynaTACTM 8000X, the world’s first commercial handheld cellular phone (1983), the MicroTAC cell phone (1989), and the lightweight StarTAC cell phone (1996). These revolutionary devices not only transformed the telecommunications industry but also became cultural icons that shaped the way we communicate.
Rudolph’s impact extended beyond his design work. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations of designers. He served as an associate professor of design at the University of Illinois and delivered lectures on design at various universities and institutions across the country. Rudolph’s expertise and insights made him a sought-after speaker at prestigious conferences and events, including Harvard Business School and IDSA’s national conferences.
As an active IDSA member, Rudolph held various leadership positions within the organization and was awarded Fellowship in the Society in 1978. His dedication to advancing the profession and his commitment to the design community were unwavering throughout his career.
Rudolph W. Krolopp, FIDSA, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of industrial design. His innovative spirit, exceptional talent, and dedication to his craft have influenced countless designers and shaped the industry as we know it today.
One of the many heartwarming memories shared by those who knew him best was recounted by his grandson: “One of my favorite memories was sitting with my grandmother at their house a few years ago, and began with my grandmother telling some story about Motorola. At some point, she remarked ‘And the knuckleheads over there thought they could invent bulletproof paint!’ From the other room, my grandpa, who we assumed was paying no attention, interrupted ‘And it worked too!’ It’s a memory that makes me smile every time I think about it because it perfectly captures his brilliance as a designer and wit as a family jokester.”
Click here to view Rudolph’s IDSA profile.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any anecdotes about Rudolph and his professional or personal impact.
