it's hard to pinpoint exactly at what stage digital technology changed the course of our lives
and social interactions. with the emergence of computers in the 1970s, we saw the introduction
of digital icons. developed at the xerox research center facility in palo alto, these icons were
meant to make the process of navigating through computer interfaces easier. a small pixelated
image which typically ranges in size from 16x16 pixels to 128x128 pixels, icons were designed
to be easily recognizable. used on our desktops, toolbars, web-pages and other applications,
computer icons draw from real world objects and have been known to take on the form of a
file folder, paint brush, speaker etc., symbols we can easily identify and associate with.
individuals even use avatars (a form of icon) to represent themselves on instant messaging
programs, virtual computer games and various internet forums. computer icons have become
an important part of our visual language, so much so that these digital computer icons are
making their return into the real world. there are also a number of products out on the market
which have been influenced by computer hardware. from the desk to the desktop and back again.



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icon notepad by atypyk paris (2008)


this sticky note writing notepad is an interpretation of the mac and windows' document icon.
http://www.atypyk.com






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bin trash bin by front design (2008)


throwing things out in our physical environment has been made as aesthetically therapeutic
as dumping things into our desktop trash bin with this garbage can that resembles the
mac os system 4 trash bin.
http://www.frontdesign.se






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click necklace by irina blok (2008)


the cursor which we stare at daily to click on files or to move through computer programs,
is transformed into a piece of jewelry.
http://www.irinablok.com






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8-bit tie by thinkgeek (2007)


from geek to chic, this tie doesn't mimic a particular icon,
but was inspired by the 8-bit video game graphics of the 80s and 90s.
http://www.thinkgeek.com






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folderix flash drive by art. lebedev studio (2007)


designed to look like a microsoft windows file folder, this USB key does the same job as file folder,
but definitely takes up less space on your desk.
http://www.artlebedev.com






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my documents laptop case by 25togo (2007)


there is no shortage of laptop case designs - this one is modeled off of the microsoft windows
'my documents' folder. you can now buy this online at the designboom shop.
http://www.25togo.com






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envelope mailbox by chiasso (2006)


with the popularity of e-mail it seems as though sending letters by post has become obsolete.
however, it's easy to see that you've got mail with this mailbox that represents an inbox envelope.
http://www.chiasso.com






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mus2 optical mouse by art. lebedev studio (2006)


this mouse looks just like an arrow cursor, and also controls the one that is on your desktop.
http://www.artlebedev.com






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orbiculus thumbtacks by art. lebedev studio (2006)


these thumbtacks are modeled off aqua and microsoft windows' dialog box commands and can be pushed
into any surface your heart desires.
http://www.artlebedev.com






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sonicum speaker by art. lebedev studio (2006)


iconic in its shape, the profile of this speaker actually looks remarkably similar to the
mac OS 9 speaker icon.
http://www.artlebedev.com






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icon watch by & design (2005)


this watch pays hommage to the first wait cursor for mac OS.
http://www.anddesign.jp






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tersumus eraser by art. lebedev studio (2007)


everything is as easily erased as it is on your desktop with this 'delete key' eraser.
http://www.artlebedev.com






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command sit stool by ross mcbride (2006)


computer commands are quickly completed with the clicks on the keyboard. shaped like a key on a keyoard,
all you have to do is look at these stackable stools to know they're commanding you to take a seat.
http://normaldesign.net






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keyboard purse by joao sabino (2003)


if your keyboard doesn't get enough action from you at your desk, why not carry it around as well?
http://www.joaosabino.com

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more
see an in-depth timeline of computer icons at the gui de book.