Classic design

[lovelylad]

How do those in the know decide what is a 'design classic'?

[sgs]

I suppose it has to do with a combination of radical design with a continuing popularity of whatever it is. So, a Volkswagen Beetle is a design classic in the sense that it served a purpose - to provide affordable mobility to the masses - with a certain amount of style (although an appreciation of it as something aesthetically pleasing came later) and technical innovation. It was also produced for over 50 years. Another would be the anglepoise lamp, still on sale with remarkably little change over 70 years after it was introduced. Or the upright Hoover, not changed in essence since the 1920s. I could go on and on and on, so I'll stop. Any other suggestions?

[bobsailer]

It's not really a case of anybody 'deciding' that something is a design classic, it's more a case of something becoming a classic through its own qualities - as per sgs's answer above - and then people recognising this. Anyway, my nomination - obvious, I know - is the London Underground map.

[boatman]

How about a Fender Stratocaster? lthough no longer manufactured in the USA, they're still made to the same basic design as they were in the late 1950s.