BLOBJECT

(BLAWB.jekt)

n.

An object with a curvilinear, flowing design, such as the Apple iMac computer and the Volkswagen Beetle; an object with a dull or unremarkable design.

"Apple's designs, envisioned by Jonathon Ive, Apple's lead designer, have not only changed the look of computing but spilled out into the rest of society, almost single-handedly starting the 'blobject' craze for curvy, organic items."

— Chris Allbritton, "MAC-stravaganza: Apple's new product line is more polished than ever," , July 23, 2000

If Gerard Furbershaw of Lunar Design Inc.were judging a parts competition, he would look for cleverness, craftsmanship — and whether the vendor remained true to the customer's vision.

Sophistication and visual appeal distinguish a product from other ''blobjects'' in its class, said Furbershaw, who heads product design at the Palo Alto, Calif., firm.

— "Awards honor sophisticated thermoforming," Plastics News, October 9, 1995

Beetlemania

commodity chic

cuddletech

cutensil

populuxe

Art and Design