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Top 10 Inspiring Product Designers We Love (In No Particular Order)
In discussions about the most famous designers and inspiring figures in product design, the same names often get all the attention — think James Dyson and Steve Jobs. But at Flynn Product Design, we like to do things a little differently. To us, great design isn’t just about innovation; it’s about having a positive societal impact. We had this in mind when curating our list of the top 10 product designers (past and present).
In no particular order, here they are:
1. Buckminster Fuller
It would almost be quicker to list what Buckminster Fuller isn’t known for. As well as an architect and designer, Fuller was a renowned futurist, philosopher, writer, and more. His underlying goal was to use his ideas and designs to help humanity and solve problems, including environmental destruction and poverty. While he may not have single-handedly overcome these complex issues during his lifetime, he certainly made significant progress and inspired the next generation of influential product designers. Examples of his ground-breaking creations include the energy-efficient, affordable Dymaxion House and geodesic domes, which distribute weight equally while using minimal design materials.
2. Isambard Kingdom Brunel: Industrial Designer
As Bristolians, omitting Isambard Kingdom Brunel from our list would practically be blasphemy. Often considered one of Britain's best engineers, Brunel has quite the legacy. In the nineteenth century, he was a key figure for flagship projects such as the Great Western and Cornwall Railways. He aimed for his railways to fit in with nature, which he achieved by designing viaducts and tunnels to hide them, and devised ingenious constructions to solve problems. These included designing a Great Cylinder to act as a coffer dam to make a pier in a river.
3. Christian von Koenigsegg: Product Designer
Even if you’re not a petrolhead, it’s hard to deny that automaker Christian von Koenigsegg has achieved some impressive feats in his time. Despite not having a background in the automotive trade, his commitment to creating a great product led to him becoming a skilled product designer, making innovative, simplistic, and high-performing designs that went on to compete with the most prestigious brands in the world. The designer’s cars now compete with the likes of Ferrari due to their exclusivity and bespoke nature (to this day, less than 150 have been made). Plus, its engines are said to last a thousand years or more — about as close to sustainability as a hypercar can get.
4. Victor Papanek
Victor Papanek was a visionary Austrian-American designer, educator, and author who left an indelible mark on the field of industrial design. Born in 1923, Papanek is perhaps best known for his seminal book “Design for the Real World,” which remains a cornerstone in the discourse on socially responsible design. As a product designer, Papanek championed the idea that design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional, sustainable, and accessible to all. The designer has challenged consumerism and talked about the social side of design and how it can be as a political tool. For instance, he has designed items for the home that are recycled, affordable, and easy to make — promoting a more conscientious approach than the mainstream. His work spanned various disciplines, including industrial design, graphic design, and interior design, making him one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. Papanek’s commitment to creating designs that addressed real-world problems and promoted social good continues to inspire designers today.
5. David Lewis
David Lewis was a British industrial designer and engineer whose innovative work has had a lasting impact on modern consumer products. Born in 1939,he is best known for his time as chief designer at electronics company Bang & Olufsen, but look behind the scenes and you’ll also find a noble philosophy. Lewis has always focused on “slow evolution,” which is all about producing items customers actually need instead of trying to lure them into buying new things for profit. He has therefore created long-lasting items. “You can miss cool things – afterthoughts, great little ideas – in the design process because it goes so fast,” Lewis says. As a product designer, Lewis was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to seamlessly blend form and function. Lewis’s dedication to creating products that enhance the user experience has cemented his legacy as a key figure in industrial design.
6. Luigi Colani
Luigi Colani was a car designer who worked with major companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Fiat. But what really makes him special is his commitment to the futuristic and fanciful. Colani has consistently come up with designs that combine high-end vehicles with shapes from nature — for instance, he created a long-haul truck with a space for the driver that resembled a flying saucer. Some may say his designs are impractical or too try-hard, but many consider him a visionary. As a bonus, he has also always eschewed mass production and built-in obsolescence, instead prefer to design for life (or as long as possible).
7. Dieter Rams
A leading designer in the twentieth century, Dieter Rams spent a large part of his career working at the technology company Braun, where he was deeply involved in the development process of industrial product design. Dieter Rams strongly advocated for simplicity in design, emphasizing the principle that "good design is as little as possible." He focused on the essentials, avoiding unnecessary elements that could burden the products. He then went on to define his own unique philosophy for “good design,” which was all about marrying usefulness with aesthetics. This said that good design should:
● Be innovative
● Make a product useful
● Be aesthetic
● Help to understand a product
● Be unobtrusive
● Be honest
● Be durable
● Be aware of the environment
● Require as little design as possible
● Pay attention to all details
8. Giorgetto Giugiaro
And now we come to another car designer. Giugiaro may be best known for creating the DMC DeLorean, which appeared in Back to the Future, and the Lotus Esprit S1 (which turns into a submarine) in “The Spy Who Loved Me.” He was even named Car Designer of the Century in 1999. If you've seen either of these films, you'll know that he took a futuristic approach to his design — although he has also strived to create useful designs for his consumer cars.
9. Antoni Gaudi: Architectural Projects
Despite having passed away more than a century ago, Gaudi remains one of the world’s most famous architects and designers, and his designs have been immortalized in Barcelona — the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. While his work is best known for being dreamlike and beautiful, Gaudi also stands out for how he incorporated nature into his designs. For instance, his use of geometric patterns as they appeared in nature, and glass to emulate water. He even played his part in sustainability (before it became a “thing”) by reusing old pieces of glass for his product's design.
10. Achille Castiglioni
Achille Castiglioni was an Italian industrial designer and architect whose innovative and playful approach to design has made him one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. Born in 1918, Castiglioni’s work is characterized by a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics, often infused with a sense of humor and wit. As a product designer, he created some of the most iconic designs of the modern era, from furniture and lighting to industrial design and architectural projects. Castiglioni’s ability to reimagine everyday objects with a fresh perspective has left a lasting impact on the world of design, and his contributions continue to inspire and influence designers around the globe.
Celebrating the Legacy of Industrial Design
Industrial design has evolved significantly since its early days in the 20th century. From its origins as a means of mass-producing consumer goods to its current status as a highly respected and influential field, industrial design has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. As we celebrate the legacy of industrial design, we honor the pioneers who paved the way for future generations of designers. Figures like Victor Papanek and Dieter Rams have left an indelible mark on the field, and their work continues to inspire and influence designers today. Their commitment to innovation, functionality, and social responsibility serves as a guiding light for the future of design.
Masters of Form and Function
Charles and Ray Eames were true masters of form and function, and their designs continue to inspire and influence designers today. As product designers, they were known for their ability to balance aesthetics with functionality, creating designs that were both elegant and practical. From their iconic Eames Lounge Chair to their innovative designs for the Herman Miller company, the Eames's left an indelible mark on the world of design. Their legacy is a testament to the power of good design to shape the modern world, and their work remains a source of inspiration for designers striving to achieve the perfect harmony of form and function.
Feel inspired ?
As you can see, there’s more than one way a designer, can be considered innovative — whether it’s challenging consumerism or bold, futuristic creations. Which of the designers above inspires you the most?
Flynn Product Design provides comprehensive design consultancy services, offering product design, industrial design, and prototype development. With a focus on innovation and functionality, we collaborate with ambitious companies to bring their ideas to life, refining concepts into market-ready products that stand out in both aesthetics and performance.
We provide businesses with product design consultancy, industrial design, prototype design & related services.
