12 Designs That Shaped the Gadgets We Love Today

Sony Walkman 1979 The Sony Walkman was the first portable electronic device to become a full-blown fashion moment, and it fired imaginations around the world. One person in particular bears mentioning: Steve Jobs, who obsessed over the Walkman’s handsome, boxy form and its supreme fit and finish. Solid and refined at once, the Walkman’s every detail was considered, down to the distinctive, satisfying click when it closed. Jobs became obsessed with matching the achievement. As a result, the Walkman’s craftsmanship lives on in every wannabe Apple product.

 As our everyday technology morphs and evolves, it’s hard to predict what lurks right around the corner. But whatever comes next, odds are that it will carry some echo of the iconic products here.