Podcast Summary: All Of It – "MoMA Examines Revolutionary Designs"

Introduction

In the January 27, 2025, episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight is cast on the Museum of Modern Art's (MoMA) latest exhibition, "Turning Points in Design." This episode delves into how revolutionary designs have shaped and continue to influence culture and societal interactions.

MoMA's "Turning Points in Design" Exhibition

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing the new MoMA exhibition, which explores the profound impact of design on culture from the 1930s to the present day. Highlights include iconic items such as the original desktop Macintosh, Eames’ plywood chairs, and the ubiquitous Post-it Note. The exhibition, titled "Turning Points in Design," aims to showcase how these designs have not only changed aesthetics but also transformed everyday behaviors and interactions.

Conversation with Paola Antonelli

Paola Antonelli, MoMA's Senior Curator and Director of Research and Development, joins Alison Stewart to discuss the exhibition's vision and selection criteria.

• Selection Criteria: At [02:17], Antonelli explains, “For an object to be in the show, it had to be an object that has had impact in the past or has it right now... all of these different objects that had impacts either immediately big or small, but reverberating.” She emphasizes that each design must hold significant cultural or functional influence.

• Common Traits of Revolutionary Designs: When asked what unites these designs, Antonelli responds at [02:59], “If they did not exist, the world would really miss out... That's the only thing. It's always my litmus test.”

• Impact of Design on Behavior: Discussing how design changes collective behavior, Antonelli cites the Google Map pin at [04:02], illustrating how digital innovations replace older, less efficient methods, thereby altering daily routines.

Spotlight on Iconic Designs

1. Post-it Notes ([04:51] – [06:09]): Antonelli recounts the accidental invention of Post-it Notes, highlighting the importance of serendipity in design innovation. “Mistakes really should never be discounted as such,” she notes.

2. Presentation Style of the Exhibition ([06:09] – [07:07]): The exhibit features red walls and curtains between exhibits to ensure each object has its own “stage,” allowing visitors to engage deeply with each piece through narrated stories via text, audio, or video.

Listener Interactions

Throughout the episode, Alison Stewart invites listeners to share their favorite designs. Several notable calls include:

• Carrie from Downtown ([07:07] – [07:54]): Shares her affection for an Architect's lamp by Angle Poise, emphasizing the emotional connection to beautiful design. Paola adds, “The fact that it makes you happy is very important.”

• Scott from Morristown ([07:55] – [09:21]): Describes how the Apple Macintosh revolutionized his professional life as a graphic designer, enabling him to run an agency from home. Antonelli adds that the original Mac icons, designed by Susan Kerr, are also part of the MoMA collection.

• Jude from Fairfield County ([09:21] – [10:18]): Praises the Danish dough whisk for making baking both easy and joyful. Another caller, Panda from New Jersey, highlights the ubiquitous Bic ballpoint pen, with Antonelli explaining its enduring success due to functional design improvements like the tungsten sphere.

• David from Manhattan ([18:08] – [19:06]): Celebrates the paperclip and spring clothespin for their simple yet versatile design, hoping for a dedicated section in the exhibition.

• Jackie ([19:06] – [19:44]): Expresses admiration for the electric toothbrush, focusing on its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

• John ([19:44] – [20:12]): Enthuses over the ring seals on milk and juice containers, appreciating their simplicity and effectiveness.

Featured Designs and Their Stories

• Monobloc Chair ([11:06] – [13:00]): Antonelli discusses the Monobloc chair’s history, from its inception by Henri Massonet to its status as both a symbol of mass production and consumerism. The chair’s global presence illustrates its dual legacy of accessibility and environmental impact.

• Ziploc Baggie and German Kitchen ([13:00] – [14:22]): Highlighting Greta Lihotzky’s efficient kitchen design, Antonelli explains how standardization and accessibility in design can uplift societal living standards.

• Telfar Bag ([15:02] – [16:56]): The Telfar bag, coined as “not for you, but for everyone,” embodies accessibility in luxury fashion. Antonelli admires its inclusive philosophy and widespread appeal.

• Crocs ([16:58] – [18:00]): Despite polarizing opinions, Crocs represent a fascinating case of design versatility and cultural adaptability, transitioning from utilitarian footwear to a fashion statement embraced by celebrities.

• M&M's ([20:24] – [21:40]): The design history of M&M's showcases the collaboration between Forest Mars and Hershey, transforming a military ration chocolate into a global confectionery icon through thoughtful packaging and functionality.

• Emojis ([21:50] – [23:38]): Emojis revolutionize communication by adding nuance and emotional depth to digital interactions. Antonelli highlights the original 176 emojis by Shigetaka Kurita and their evolution into a universal language.

• I ♥ New York Logo ([23:46] – [25:29]): Milton Glaser’s iconic logo, born during New York’s 1970s crisis, exemplifies the power of design in societal morale and global recognition. Antonelli shares the legendary story of its creation and enduring legacy.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the transformative power of design showcased in MoMA’s "Turning Points in Design." Paola Antonelli affirms the exhibition's role in highlighting how everyday objects and iconic designs shape and reflect cultural shifts. Listeners are encouraged to visit the exhibition before its closing on October 18th.

Key Takeaways

• Design as Cultural Catalyst: Revolutionary designs not only enhance functionality but also influence societal behaviors and cultural norms.

• Impact Over Aesthetics: The exhibition underscores that the true value of a design lies in its lasting impact and the way it redefines human interaction with the world.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Modern designs, such as the Telfar bag and emojis, emphasize inclusivity, making functional and aesthetic advancements accessible to a broader audience.

• Celebrating Everyday Objects: From Post-it Notes to electric toothbrushes, everyday items hold significant stories of innovation and cultural relevance.

Notable Quotes

• Paola Antonelli at [02:59]: “If they did not exist, the world would really miss out.”

• Alison Stewart at [04:02]: “What is a design that you think had a big impact on your life, on culture as a whole?”

• Paola Antonelli at [07:54]: “The fact that it makes you happy is very important.”

• Paola Antonelli at [10:26]: “They think about everything.”

• Paola Antonelli at [21:50]: “Emojis are incredibly important... they have added nuance.”

• Paola Antonelli at [24:01]: “Milton was larger than life... I Heart New York was born on that piece of paper.”

Final Note

For those interested in exploring how design intersects with culture and societal change, MoMA’s "Turning Points in Design" offers a comprehensive and engaging overview. Discover more about the exhibition and its featured designs by visiting MoMA before it concludes on October 18th.