What defines great INDUSTRIAL DESIGN?

After a recent post where I referenced the work of Teenage Engineering, I couldn’t help but notice an interesting trend in the comments section.

Some described their work as iconic, inspiring, beautifully risky.

Others pushed back, calling it toy-like, confusing, too much style, not enough clarity.

Same brand. Same products. Completely different reactions.

The defining factor in this divide - age.

It made me reflect on the real power of design. It’s not just how it works or looks. It’s how it lands. How it reflects our values, our context, our moment in time.

Design is a mirror. And like all mirrors, what we see has just as much to do with us as it does with the thing itself.

When one product stirs this much passion, love it or hate it, that’s usually a sign it’s worth paying attention.

That’s usually where the good stuff lives.

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What brands represent “good design” to you?

And why do you think the answers vary so wildly?

Where do you stand on the Teenage Engineering divide?