Designs that Changed the World

We often say on this blog that design can change the world and we frequently encourage our designer & non-designer friends out there to use their talents to do just that. In this post we wanted to take a look at designs that have in fact changed the world, specifically graphic designs that have had a large amount of influence either on our day-to-day experience or our view of the world.

In our search we have made a couple realizations. First, graphic design, while it can be a means to its own end, can have extraordinary power when used as a vehicle for communicating an idea. Considering this, we have found that the most influential designs are born from a very potent idea that resonates with a large or influential group of people. This is not to say that these designs cannot take on a life of their own outside their original purposes, as many of these designs have done just that. Second, when you encourage people to go out a make a difference, you are taking a risk. Not all design that has had impacted the world has been for good. And not all creators of these designs have understood their potential.

The Stop Sign
Simple and memorable, this design has had huge impact across the globe. This 97 year old design, originating in Detroit, Michigan, has made its way to all corners of the world. The field of bright red and hexagonal shape has become a staple for traffic laws, and lives a life of it’s own in parody. This design ultimately saves millions of lives and millions of dollars in property damage each year.

Coca-Cola logo
Like many brands, the flourished flowing type of this logo can be seen all over the US and Europe. Step outside this boundary though, into less developed areas across the world and you will see this logo there as well. Carrying the hope of Western wealth and prosperity, the Coca-Cola logo adorns the walls of bodegas and small stands in the slums and remote regions of the world. It can be argued that this energetic type treatment is a thin thread of hope that connects people in these otherwise forgotten places to the rest of the world.

Helvetica
This font, created in 1957 in Switzerland by Max Miedinger along with Eduard Hoffman at the Haas type foundry, helped to usher in a new era of modern design that has been adopted around the world. Love it or hate it, this font has done much for bringing well designed typography to the masses and changed the way the world views design.

The Swastika
Not all design has a positive impact on the world, the Nazi’s use of the swastika is the perfect example. Hitler’s regime understood the power of good design and utilized it to their advantage. The style guide for the Nazi regime is hauntingly well executed reminding us that in the hands of certain people design can be a dangerous tool. Even the swastika itself, originating over 3,000 years ago, had been used to promote a myriad of positive things such as life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. But like twisting words, the Nazi’s adoption of this symbol in its white circle on a red field will forever be understood across the world be a symbol for inconceivable evil.

Wave of Peace
Designed by McRay Magleby in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Wave of Peace is considered the world’s most memorable poster. And for good reason, not only is the artwork beautiful, but the message of peace it conveys transcends language and race. Prints of this poster can be found around the world and reworks are prevalent giving this design a life and meaning of its own.

This is just a small sampling of influential designs. What others come to mind when you think of designs that have had a large impact on the world?