Anglepoise: a lamp balanced by springs
Anglepoise uses springs to balance its articulated arm. We look at how a mechanism developed in the 1930s lets readers and artists move the light where they need it.
Design
USM cabinets grow around a small steel ball
A connector with six threaded holes forms the basis of USM Haller’s framework. Its modular furniture system grew from the design of a factory and offices.
A stapler that leaves neither staples nor holes
Kokuyo’s Harinacs Press binds about five sheets by pressing them together. It uses a different mechanism from staple-free models that cut holes in the paper.
Braun’s SK4 keeps the mechanism visible under a clear lid
The 1956 Braun SK4 combines a white metal body, wooden sides, and a transparent lid. Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot’s design keeps the turntable and controls in view.
A map that puts connections before distance
Harry Beck turned the London Underground map into a diagram of station order and connections. Relaxing geographical accuracy made the network easier to read.
Akari: a paper light that folds into a flat box
Akari’s paper shades are made over bamboo ribs on wooden molds. Once the paper has dried and the mold is removed, the shade can fold flat for packing.
How 36 café chairs fit into one box
Thonet’s No. 14 chair, now known as the 214, uses bent solid wood and screw-fastened parts. Its construction made the familiar café chair practical to ship in pieces.
Alessi 9093 kettle with bird whistle
Michael Graves gave the Alessi 9093’s whistle the shape of a bird. A working part of an everyday kitchen tool also gives it character.
Tripp Trapp, a chair adjusted as a child grows
Stokke’s Tripp Trapp has a seat and footrest adjustable in height and depth. The table stays in place while the chair adapts to a growing body.
How Charles and Ray Eames bent plywood to support injured legs
Charles and Ray Eames' wooden splints supported the body with curves and holes. We see how furniture research developed through wartime production experience.
Turn a globe instead of scrolling a playlist
Radio Garden lets listeners choose stations by location on a map. Deciding what to hear can begin with deciding which place to hear from.
One small push, and the face keeps nodding
Hoptimist uses a round face and a spring to answer a touch with movement. A simple ornament gives a small physical response without complicated functions.