Design Roots

Ever since I learned about Viktor Schreckengost in Sources of Modern Design, I’ve really respected his design philosophy and work. Interestingly, in some ways he’s the opposite of Syd Mead. Mead is all about the future—dreaming up things that are presently impossible—and Schreckengost is all about the present—creating products that are practical and implementable right now.

Mead starts in the imagination and touches on reality. Schreckengost begins in reality and touches on imagination. None-the-less, both of these designers had connections to heavy industries, and considered details in technical execution, be they real or imagined.

It was Schreckengost who inspired my own “design philosophy,” which I mentioned in my first entry—that our task as “designers” is to fulfill the needs of our users, and to make design accessible to the mass market, regardless of how glamorous or mundane the products may be.

I think Schreckengost excelled at implementing this philosophy, especially in the areas of household products and children’s toys. His lines of dinnerware enabled average citizens to have well-designed and beautiful products at an affordable price. His work on toys (such as the Murray Torpedo Pedal Car) created some of the most beloved and recognizable toys of their era.

It’s not surprising that Schreckengost has been referred to as “the father of Industrial Design.” His commitment to design work and education shaped the industry, and helped to make it what it is today. He put down the roots that grew into a profession.