Designed in California: History and Culture of Product Design in California

Designed in California: History and Culture of Product Design in California

Faculty Mentor(s)
Bjoern Hartmann (Computer Science Division)
Student Apprentice(s)
William Bottini

On each iPod, Apple Inc. engraves the phrase "Designed by Apple in California." What narratives are evoked by this phrase? Student apprentice William Bottini collaborated with Professor Bjoern Hartmann to research the foundation of the phrase “Designed in California.” The team sought to examine how the phrase has turned into a brand, and ask how designers utilize this term during the design phrase of projects.

Bottini conducted interviews with design pioneers and practicing designers, traveled to important museums such as the Cooper-Hewitt Museum and the Pasadena Art Museum, and reviewed popular and scholarly publications. Bottini synthesized his research into a final written paper and bibliography.