What makes a great design?

Great design is functional, that is it meets a need. It solves a problem. But great design is more that that. Great design is also aesthetically pleasing (= looks attractive). The function and the form of a great design blend together. Great design is also innovative and ground-breaking.

Below are pictures of nine great designs that have become iconic in the modern world. Some of them have changed people's everyday lives, others are designs that have both inspired and helped people all over the world.

Match the nine pictures (1-9) with the paragraphs (A - I) below.

A Invented in the late 1800s, this invention has the capacity to move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently. They are often used around the world in places where lifts would be impractical, such as shopping malls and airports.

B When, in 1938, László Jozsef Bíró found that he was having trouble writing letters, he designed this very useful object . With thicker ink and the tiny ball bearing controlling the flow, this invention became one of the most innovative and most purchased products in history.

C One of the 20th century's most famous and distinctive buildings, it was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, but completed by an Australian architectural team. It was formally opened in Sydney on 20 October 1973.

D Since 2007, this amazing high-tech product has been in our pockets. The design has grown and evolved over time, yet it has retained the clean, minimal and glossy feel that Apple imbues into all its products.

E This very practical design was invented in 1958 by Revlon. The modern design allows for easy application and the lifting and separating of strands to achieve the best looking eyelashes.

F Dr. Hans von Ohain and Sir Frank Whittle are both recognized as being the designers and co-inventors of this invention which has revolutionised aviation and made global travel possible.

G Considered to be the best scooter in the world, this iconic motorbike was designed by Italian company, Piaggio in 1946. The name of the scooter means 'wasp' in Italian.

H Perhaps one of the most iconic designs in the world. This structure, located in Paris was never meant to be a permanent fixture, but was designed and constructed as the temporary entrance to the 1889 World's Fair.

I This design came into being by accident! While trying to create a high strength adhesive for planes in 1968, Spencer Silver accidentally created an adhesive that was pressure sensitive and perfect to peel away without leaving residue.

Now, find the words in the paragraphs with the following meanings:

A A large retail area containing a number of different stores (n)

B New, creative and original (adj)

C A person who designs buildings and large structures (n)

D Requiring advanced technology (adj)

E Functional and useful (adj)

F The activity of transporting people and goods by aircraft (n)

G Important, impressive and easily recognised as a symbol of something (adj)

H Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely (adj)

I A substance used for sticking objects or materials together (n)

When you are ready, enter you answers in the sheet below: