You may have by now heard that leading industrial designer Bill Moggridge has passed away.  He was likely the first to conceive of the 'clamshell' laptop design that is now a standard.   This initial computer, the $8,000 Grid Compass (1982), was a bit a bit hit with NASA and DoD--who appreciated its magnesium case (durability and lightness) and performance.  The idea of a 'display up top, keyboard down below' in a easy-to-carry case is now part of our design DNA.  Moggridge also founded IDEO, one of the world's top design consultancies, and was director the Cooper-Hewitt when he passed.

CHM was fortunate to have Bill moderate a lecture on industrial design back in 2007.

You can watch the lecture here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--7Br07QKMk

Blurb from event:

[Recorded June 4, 2007]
Apple Computer has long been noted for its industrial design prowess and ability to generate public interest with each new offering. Hear fascinating personal stories and perspectives of what it was like to be an industrial designer at Apple. Meet Jerry Manock, designer of the Apple II, Apple III and the original Mac, and Robert Brunner, head of Apple's newly-formed Industrial Design Group (IDg) in 1990 that produced the PowerBook, Color Classic, and LC 520. Moderated by noted industrial designer and IDEO co-founder Bill Moggridge.

Enjoy!

Dag