Interesting article by Gizmodo claiming a major design influence of Apple. There are some striking similarities between Dieter Rams’ work in the 60’s for Braun and some of the work coming from Jonathan Ive. However earlier assertions by Frog Design’s Luke Williams have been that the Apple influences were from bathroom fixtures and materials. These are nifty visual comparison games to play, and I’m not comfortable with saying that no ideas are new. Instead I see this as inspiration for designers to realize that great design ideas may come from outside of your industry and instead from things like a 1960’s speaker or a 1990’s toilet.