Interface: People, Machines, Design

Overview

Most of us probably can’t fathom going a day without a smartphone. These devices, so neatly integrated into the fabric of everyday life, have come a long way in a few short decades. So how do companies make complicated technologies so slick and easy to use? This major exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, part of Sydney Design, explores just that, tracing the history of technological innovation.

Interface will feature iconic products from some of the world’s biggest manufacturers. Crammed with methods, philosophies and inspirations, the exhibition will navigate between design visionaries of the 20th century. There will be work by the German industrialist behind Braun, Dieter Rams, as well as household names and Apple revolutionaries Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

If you need guidance through this world of obsolete gadgets and timeless technologies, curator Campbell Bickerstaff will be leading a tour and unpacking some of the main themes. In teasing out the finer details, expect an insight into how design is shaped by the maker's values and which methods of the past have stood the test of time.