a practical guide to Timeless Product Design (How to)

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

There's something magical about the timeless aesthetic, but it's really hard to design a timeless product. So I made a practical guide on how to design timeless products. I go over how to create timeless forms, details and finishes while designing a nice little coffee grinder.
Software: Mood Boards in Miro. Coffee Grinder modelled in Rhinoceros & Fusion 360 & Rendered in Keyshot.
Thanks to all the great designers who let me feature their work:
Shaver, T3, SK5, TP1, LE1, Sessel 620 by Dieter Rams
Olly, Elixir by Bebop @bebopdesigners
Wall Mounted CD Player, Electric Kettle, Toaster, Blender by Naoto Fukusawa
Angle Razor, Toy Projects, Brush and Bowl by Morrama @morramadesign
Barcelona Chair, Cantilever by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
DSW, Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames
Watch by Junghans
Watch by Nomos Glashutte
A1 by Cecilie Manz
A9 by Øivind Alexander Slaatto
Beosound 1 by Torsten Valeur
Chair One by Konstantin Grcic
Go Chair by Ross Lovegrove
Lockheed Lounge by Marc Newson
Medallion Chair by Phillippe Starck
Isn't it kind of ironic that I am wearing a trendy shirt for a timeless design video?

Пікірлер: 108

  • @baddylou8101
    @baddylou8101 Жыл бұрын

    love the new vid, would love to see a breakdown of the applications you use on your ipad, and why you choose to use them. But loved this video.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I wrote a description for now. Good idea for a video! I’ll keep that in mind for the pipeline!

  • @PhiSei92
    @PhiSei92 Жыл бұрын

    Great video! Your breakdown was great! Only thing I have a problem with is the size of the knob. It‘s so small, making the grinder look enormous. Doesn‘t change anything about the validity of your approach and would be catched latest with a foam model :)

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Good thought! I actually tried out some bigger knobs but went with the little one. I liked the cuteness plus a big knob really made the thing look too much like a face

  • @katharinalang8879
    @katharinalang8879 Жыл бұрын

    Love the wavy lid - sliding through time no problem!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m a slidey kind of guy

  • @PeiyaWang
    @PeiyaWang Жыл бұрын

    Love your video so much!! Both knowledge and humor!🙌🙌

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks @Peiya

  • @gergelymihaly199
    @gergelymihaly199 Жыл бұрын

    The content is gold! Keep it up!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I’ll try!

  • @DanielHernandez-qg8gm
    @DanielHernandez-qg8gm Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your videos, I appreciate so much your process of design and not the boring techniques that teach in the college. LOVE IT, THE RESULTS!! Greetings from México

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Daniel! Quick question: where's the best food in Mexico (I am going there next year 🙌)

  • @Designotherwise
    @Designotherwise Жыл бұрын

    I love your videos ! You get through so much information and knowledge while keeping it light and having such a clear main objective from start to finish ! Very cool ! Excited to see more in the future

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and the nice words :)

  • @leowu6110
    @leowu61102 ай бұрын

    That coffee grinder turned out freaking gorgeous 👍

  • @oldcountrypancake
    @oldcountrypancake Жыл бұрын

    Love this channel! Just binged and liked all videos. Your approach to breaking down layers (e.g., forms, details, finishes) is insightful and easy for non-practitioners to follow. I'd gladly pay for a video diving deeper into industrial design with your unique style of delivery (structured layers, fusing in trends and on-the-fly designs.) Keep the videos coming and thanks for making them!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Will try to make some more 😊

  • @cllgscreative
    @cllgscreative Жыл бұрын

    This was chill. Thanks bro.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching

  • @KarthikMahade1
    @KarthikMahade1 Жыл бұрын

    loved it!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks buuudy

  • @simonevascotto1660
    @simonevascotto1660 Жыл бұрын

    awesome video. cant wait to see more :)

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @yemmaldn
    @yemmaldn Жыл бұрын

    Amazing! Thanks for reminding me why I wanted to became an industrial designer. Looking forward for the next video...

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Why did you become and industrial designer?

  • @yemmaldn

    @yemmaldn

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings I don't know exactly why however I always thought objects were more than decoration pieces or tools to make our lives easier. I believe it is something about the cultural material value they add. Every design decision is intrinsically related to our reality and your storytelling in your creation process is showing that. I want to be able to do the same at some point.

  • @kvdesign5348
    @kvdesign5348 Жыл бұрын

    Nice elaboration on timeless design 👌 cheers

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @All-VentionDesignNT
    @All-VentionDesignNT5 ай бұрын

    Great, found another quality design channel.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    5 ай бұрын

    Nice of you to say

  • @ellesaux
    @ellesaux3 ай бұрын

    I don't usually comment, but it was super useful, clear and concise! thank u !

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    3 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you decided to comment

  • @overtone-so
    @overtone-so Жыл бұрын

    Loooove it!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks ☺️

  • @genzmind01
    @genzmind01 Жыл бұрын

    So helpful! Loved it

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it

  • @genzmind01

    @genzmind01

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings keep creating more such videos

  • @kvdesign5348
    @kvdesign5348 Жыл бұрын

    Hunting for timeless features with flow

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    🕵‍♀

  • @jingwenchen9085
    @jingwenchen9085 Жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed each of your videos a LOT. But! Can you update more often!!! plz!!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I will try!

  • @nicolaiid
    @nicolaiid Жыл бұрын

    Great video man! I really liked your explanation and take on the topic :D It also got me thinking if there if some of those beloved, way less minimal designs are also timeless in a way. Most things by Alessie for example can definetly be dated, but it's their character and that they function well despite some stylization that makes people love them throughout time. Super interesting topic, I'm looking forward to your next video :D

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! I think minimalism can help with timelessness, but isn’t necessarily the only way to be timeless. Alessi stuff is great because it has so much personality and isn’t so on trend, so it doesn’t feel old so fast. Although a lot of their style is pretty vintage already.

  • @Wmeme-mg4ff

    @Wmeme-mg4ff

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings Yeah, that's the thing of "timelessness". It can have a lot of different meanings. Your video was fun, but I think it communicates more likely "a practical guide to make a timeless minimal like product that you find constantly on Pinterest''. I am not here hating, this is probably just my personal opinion. Sometimes the reference websites (like Pinterest) have an incredible aesthetics bias to show only minimal works. Of course, I love the Dieter Rams works, but I am tired to see that only minimal products to be considered timeless. The key principles in this video are obviously fine, they are the main base to design a product, but even a "chic" design could be timeless, respect the basic design points and be an icon/influence in the future.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Wmeme-mg4ff great comments! One of the things I figured out making this video is there is a difference between "timeless" and "iconic". Timeless means you can't really figure out when something was made just from looking at it. Iconic is an instantly recognizable and unique design. Iconic products can be timeless (i.e. iPod) but don't have to be (i.e. Super Nintendo). Maybe I do an iconic video one day, but I think Design Theory already has one :) Good point on the minimalism as well, there some designs that are timeless that I wouldn't consider minimal (Lovegrove Chair, Juicy Salif). I think the reason you don't see more, however, is my point on details. The more details you have, the more likely you are able to figure out what time period something is made. Minimal products are inherently more timeless because it's easier to get away without any "time clues".

  • @niharbhagat
    @niharbhagat Жыл бұрын

    YOU ARE FUN

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @romeupb5110
    @romeupb5110 Жыл бұрын

    I thought you were gonna make a hole pattern with a shape of a coffee bean :D

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    That would have been very cool. Next time!

  • @sayanee
    @sayanee4 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this informative video! Do you have any product design book recommendations that will dive into designing timeless products with form, details, and finishes? Loved your breakdown of this topic!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    4 ай бұрын

    Hmmm i’m not so good with the books. I did another video that was kind of a Q&A that has some designer recommendations, they are all pretty timeless. Anything Dieter Rams is a good start. If you find any cool books, write back in this comment :)

  • @robyflowbe
    @robyflowbe Жыл бұрын

    Love your videos in this style! Very informative and tangible. How would you approach requests by other project stakeholders (mainly non-designers) to "make a more iconic design"? In other words, how would you interpret the term "iconic"? Would be highly interested what your take on this might be in another video =) Cheers

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice question! Maybe a future video for me, although Design Theory already has one :) my opinion: iconic designs are usually more the result of marketing and mass usage. Aston Martin’s are iconic because they got used in James Bond movies. However, designers can help by making some “iconicable” by giving a product a distinct and clearly recognizable visual. For the iPod, this is the rectangular screen contrasting with the circular dial. For Vespa, it’s the flowing shield shape in front. For the Juicy Salif, it’s this crazy alien like shape. Something that clearly distinguishes you product from another. A good test is if you turned you product into a 2D flat icon, would you still recognize it? What do you think?

  • @oscarmarchal1624
    @oscarmarchal1624 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing video! Saw your software list and wondering what you are using to have keyshot rendering going on your ipad?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Just using Apple's built in screenshare with my Macboook

  • @krnxemb
    @krnxemb21 күн бұрын

    love it. the finger knob's scale throws me off a bit - is it the know that's too small or is the grinder itself for 1kg coffee beans? lol

  • @lukasdittrich949
    @lukasdittrich949 Жыл бұрын

    Hey great video, really learned a lot!! I was wondering what software u were using for the I pad with ur apple pen in the video? I study product design atm and was really curious, thanks so much!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I wrote a little software description in the description :)

  • @danijelkurincic
    @danijelkurincic Жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! It this makes me think: timeless designs are well designed and good products. It is worth to note that no product is going to be timeless if technology change, society or economics make it obsolete. Or if it is just a product with a poor quality. Or if it is not marketed well. Or ... so many other reasons than design. Also, from this video, it is clear that timeless also means that it is not tied to a specific epoch, trend, it is trendless. Not so punchy or relevant maybe not so interesting for could be even boring? This might be a good thing for some products, but not for others. So actually, timeless design is rather not a design decision, but a product decision.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Good points!

  • @JIEON.C
    @JIEON.C Жыл бұрын

    Quick and simple tutorial, perfect! Just one thing, can’t really tell the scale of this grinder, but if it’s like most grinders, isn’t knob little small? If it’s just a button, would be fine but for a rotary knob, seems bit small.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Ya, this definitely has been a main comment! I was making it tiny like a watch dial but maybe I went to tiny. But it’s just so dang cute like that

  • @TheRealStructurer
    @TheRealStructurer Жыл бұрын

    Very nice. Got inspired 👍🏼 But, it’s not a grinder, it’s a chopper 😉 Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Good to knw

  • @ammarah7390
    @ammarah73908 ай бұрын

    This was amazing, I have a quick question (as a new Industrial design student), can you suggest any content based on " how to find your taste in design"?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    7 ай бұрын

    Oooo that's a great question, I don't have a great resource for that. Maybe that would be a fun future video. Here is the short version of it: 1. Research: find a bunch of designs online, in shops, in books, in library that you kind of like. Anything that you find interesting or triggers something in you. Just collect, don't analyze for now. An easy way to do this is with Pinterest, Miro, Figma or any other online tool. 2. Review: after a while (week, month, whatever) look at all the stuff you collected. Just scroll through it and see what you still like or don't. You can add or subtract how you want. 3. Group: start putting things into groups on why you like them. For instance, some designs I like ideas that are clever, and other designs I like because I think it's just a beautiful form or material choice. Sort things the way you see them. 4. Reflect: now that you have some categories, you can reflect on what kinds of designs you like and why 5. Grow: (most important) this is just a starting point. It's really only possible to see what your style is if you design a lot. As you design more and more you can start looking back on what kinds of designs you make and start seeing your personality in the breadth of work. Don't feel too constrained by what you liked before, just let your instincts guide you to do the type of work you connect with. That's it! I'm sure there's problems in this but it should get you started :)

  • @camilamolinar211
    @camilamolinar211 Жыл бұрын

    Hey! Love your videos! Which app do you use for models and product videos like this one? Cheers

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I make the product videos in Keyshot

  • @uuuuuusssseeerrrrrrr
    @uuuuuusssseeerrrrrrr Жыл бұрын

    Great video! What software did you use to design the coffee grinder?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I wrote a software description in the description

  • @lyrechee
    @lyrechee Жыл бұрын

    Great video!! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for software to make 3D models and industrial design ideas that doesn't cost? I want to become an industrial designer in the future and I'm starting to plan how im going to make a portfolio for the uni admissions in a year and a half, but I don't really have the money to spend on an expensive 3D software, and just want to learn and start familiarise myself with 3D modelling so I can display that skills at admissions :)) Oh and also, do you have any insights into the types of things that unis admitting for Industrial Design would be looking out for or things that would make me stand out as an applicant? Thank you :))

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Big questions! Software: Blender is free and has amazing features. i *think* you can still get a Fusion 360 free license. Most other things I think you have to pay for. Uni Admissions: tbh not my area of expertise. A focus on sustainability is important these days, and I think a lot of uni’s are trying to grow in this area. Otherwise, depends a bit on the uni and the program. Some are more focused on sketching skills, some more on user research. Maybe you can find a program you like and try to demonstrate some of the skills they are advertising i.e. if they advertise user research, show an interest in that.

  • @lyrechee

    @lyrechee

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings thanks for the response!! I'll check out blender and see if fusion360 has a free license still :)) do you have any general advice for what I should do to become a great Industrial designer? :D

  • @warptraveler
    @warptraveler Жыл бұрын

    Hey I like your videos, I am a ID from Mexico, what app do you use for design and render in an iPad?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! I wrote it in the description for you

  • @randomstuffz365
    @randomstuffz36511 ай бұрын

    Sir... Pls tell me Which 3D software do you use to design all these products... please help me... i've been asking many times... I really love your videos ...please little help...

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    10 ай бұрын

    Rhinoceros, Fusion 360, Solidworks

  • @ubacow7109
    @ubacow710916 күн бұрын

    Imo timeless design tends to look more complex than simple like Nintendo consoles

  • @kvdesign5348
    @kvdesign5348 Жыл бұрын

    For me design expressions are very important to showcase the design philosophy..how can I connect with sustainability/ timeless ?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    Not sure if that's a rhetorical question but yes, I also am a big believer in personal expression through design. How can you connect? Just start doing it I suppose, you will learn along the way.

  • @jamesthorne494
    @jamesthorne49411 ай бұрын

    I can’t find any apps under the name rhinoceros or Keyshot, neither any apps that match what I see @6:01 within the video for my iPad Pro, with the exception being Fusion 360 and Miro. Any info on this would be grand

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    11 ай бұрын

    Rhinoceros is for windows/mac

  • @jamesthorne494

    @jamesthorne494

    11 ай бұрын

    And what was the app you where using at 6:01 in the video

  • @huichen6575
    @huichen65759 күн бұрын

    在中国你这种只能算入门设计师水平

  • @saiprithvidev9090
    @saiprithvidev9090 Жыл бұрын

    What was the iPad app u used for rendering.??

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s Keyshot, I’m streaming from my Mac to the iPad

  • @oscarmarchal1624

    @oscarmarchal1624

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings oh I see, that dedicated UI for ipad is so cool

  • @rushilvasudevadesigns
    @rushilvasudevadesigns Жыл бұрын

    which app is at 6:55 you were using

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    5 ай бұрын

    Keyshot on my Macbook

  • @mioncmo5825
    @mioncmo5825 Жыл бұрын

    What’s the app your using to show the 3D?

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I wrote it in the description for ya :)

  • @mioncmo5825

    @mioncmo5825

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings omg didnt know you could use rhino and keyshot on ipad , thanks!

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    @mioncmo you can’t i just use my iPad as a remote display for my mac sometimes :)

  • @mioncmo5825

    @mioncmo5825

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings oh lmao i thought i was missing out xD

  • @yigityuce6974
    @yigityuce6974 Жыл бұрын

    Whats that modeling app

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I let you know in the description

  • @medicenelpepe
    @medicenelpepe Жыл бұрын

    You look like the average los angeles hipster from 2013

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    This guy nailed it!

  • @jackofsuit
    @jackofsuit Жыл бұрын

    Big flaw with these videos is that there aren't enough of them! The channel itself is spare, functional, streamlined...infuriating.

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    I think thank you? Not sure if you like me or hate me haha

  • @jackofsuit

    @jackofsuit

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings you’re killing it. Keep it up.

  • @oa793
    @oa793 Жыл бұрын

    wonky airpod blender

  • @somegraythings

    @somegraythings

    Жыл бұрын

    You mean wonky airpod coffee grinder

  • @oa793

    @oa793

    Жыл бұрын

    @@somegraythings sorry I watched this on mute while cooking an egg omelette

  • @graydawdy1491

    @graydawdy1491

    Жыл бұрын

    @@oa793 🤣

  • @oa793

    @oa793

    Жыл бұрын

    @@graydawdy1491 thank you for your insight into wobbly grinding

Келесі