Blog
/
Where did latest design trend retrofuturism come from?

Where did latest design trend retrofuturism come from?

We are entering a new era of industrial design - retrofuturism and I freaking love it. In this article we will talk about the exciting world of retrofuturism.

Where did it come from?

Retrofuturistic design draws inspiration from the dawn of space exploration during the late 1950s and 1960s. For over half a century, our imagination of the future has been shaped by the sleek curves, shiny plastics, and vibrant neon hues depicted in iconic works like Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and beloved TV series like "The Jetsons." These timeless creations serve as a visual embodiment of the retrofuturist aesthetic, capturing the essence of an era brimming with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

The beauty of retrofuturistic aesthetics lies in its diversity, each creation drawing inspiration from its own unique historical context. Whether it's the intricate designs of steampunk or the sleek cyberpunk style, each offers a fresh perspective on the future rooted in the past.

It took its current shape in the 1970s, a time when technology was rapidly changing. But in 2024 a huge comeback.

So what is retrofuturism?

Retrofuturism came from people looking back at past visions of the future.

It's like bringing back those cool, funky ideas from the past and giving them a modern twist.

Think of sleek cars that look like they came from a 1950s sci-fi movie but have all the latest tech inside.

Hyundai’s N Vision 74 car is the perfect example of it.

It has roots in Korean brand’s classic of 1970s vehicle but gets the latest gear inside. 670 hp, hydrogen fuel engine combined with an electric motor, giving it a range of about 600 km.

The TP-7 stands out with its contemporary and ergonomic design, capturing attention and sparking inspiration.

Introducing Gundam-style headphones with a unique and flexible listening configuration. This innovative headphone concept seems to draw inspiration from Gundam mecha, offering a design that pushes the boundaries of traditional headphone aesthetics.

While details about its hardware specifications remain unknown, the futuristic sci-fi design and adaptable configuration undoubtedly make these headphones a standout choice for enthusiasts.

Forms in retrofuturism

Observing the "vintage" designs, one can easily spot the prevalence of rounded shapes. This can be deemed a distinctive trait of design choices, particularly favored in the USA during the 1950s and 60s.

Once technology enabled the crafting of more intricate forms, industrial design took a surprising turn. The emphasis shifted towards making the form as futuristic as possible, often at the expense of practicality:

In conclusion

Retrofuturism is like a time capsule of our wildest dreams and coolest visions from the past. It's a reminder of how we've always imagined the future – with flying cars, space travel, and robots doing our chores. So as we march into tomorrow, let's not forget the fun and imagination of retrofuturism. It's all about embracing the funky, futuristic vibes of yesteryear and bringing them into today. Who knows, maybe those retro-future fantasies will inspire some real-life innovations down the road. Here's to dreaming big and keeping that retro-futuristic spirit alive!