ICM - Leeds Design Agency

Die-hard Apple fans will understand the significance of this image.

The Mac Plus was launched in 1986 – it was the third product to launch from a young and vibrant company started in a garage 10 years previous.

The Plus, which retailed for a mere $2599, was for me a turning point in my life. Staring at the 9-inch 512×342 pixel monochrome display I could instantly use a computer with no training, no reading the manual, no understanding of any code or language – as I used, I learnt.

I loved my Mac Plus; it was upgraded with a 20mb external hard drive, I could plug in my SCSI SyQust drive for backing up, it was treated to the occasional Apple sticker, it went away to University with me.

It wasn’t the most powerful computer for it’s day, there were problems with overheating, but the GUI (Graphical User Interface) changed the way we use and interact with computers forever. Heavily influenced by the Xerox Star but made infinitely better.

Being controversial for a minute I would have to say that Apple (and it’s creations) aren’t entirely the work of Jobs. Many true Apple fans will see Steve Wozniak as the real engineer and programmer to Jobs’ more accountant-like role in the business. Yes, Jobs had vision – especially in the more recent Apple years or iPhone, iPod and iPad – and an amazing understanding of the user ‘experience’ but has this changed the world, really?

The Mac was taken to heart by every Graphic Designer across the land because it could cope with displaying curves better than any PC and this meant one thing – smooth typography! Magazines like Emigre began to push the boundaries and eventually launch their own range of typefaces that us mere mortals could use. The world had changed again – no-one would go back to dry-transfer lettering.

Jonathan Ive turned the home computer from beige box to jewel-like must-have and in 1997 became Senior Vice President of Industrial Design when Jobs returned to the helm.

To summarise; Apple is no one person but an amalgamation of great minds and pioneers, all of which had the amazing ability to ‘Think different’ steered and directed by the vision of Jobs – and for that, I salute them a…

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I couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get time to visit The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. It had been on my ‘to do list’ since it opened and I have to say it was worth the wait.

The gallery itself is located on the river, which isn’t only stunning to look at, but also creates renewable energy for the heating and cooling of the gallery. The building is constructed of pigmented concrete which gives it a very sculpted looked and complements the work within perfectly.

I took my two year old daughter with me and I was surprised how well kids are catered for at The Hepworth. The outside play area is fantastic and inside there are many activities and events designed to get kids being more creative.

The gallery inside is very light and has so many pieces of well known works that I haven’t seen anything like outside of London. I used a Mondrian to teach my 2 year old colours and showed her one of my favourite works, a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, entitled ‘Mother and Child’ where I asked her what it was and she said ‘Baby’. I was very proud.

When we Looked at Eva Rothschild’s work my little girl pointed out the snakes. It was wonderful seeing the work though the eyes of a two year old. She was spotting things I would never have noticed.

The Hepworth. has also been shortlisted for the 2011 British Design Award – Best Architectural Achievement. Fingers crossed for them.

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During my usual Design Geek weekend internet browsing I came across Betty+Cash an Australian based Jewellery Designer, with a very unique style that I just had to show you.

Betty+Cash was created in 2010 by Jessica McMullen, who has been creating and exhibiting contemporary jewellery since 1997. She strives to creating unique, individual, thought provoking jewellery pieces that challenge traditional jewellery design and function. I have to say she really does achieve that brief.

The collection that caught my eye:

My White Diamond Series

All pieces can be created bespoke in other precious metals such as 9ct or 18ct gold as well as the silver and black oxidized finish.

Wrap Ring

Square Frame Ring

Black Champagne Ring

Rough Cut Ring

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