Copying is the way design works (2020) (matthewstrom.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of copying in design, using examples from the history of technology and design, including the development of the LCW chair and the graphical user interface. It highlights how copying is a natural part of the design process and how it can lead to innovation. The article also explores the complexities of intellectual property and the tension between copying and originality. The author argues that copying is fundamental to design and that it can be a powerful tool for learning and innovation.

Main themes

• Copying in design
• Intellectual property
• Innovation and creativity
• Design history
• Technology and society

What commenters say

• The exchange between Apple and Xerox was a legitimate trade, with Xerox receiving Apple stock in exchange for access to their research lab, and not an example of theft or IP transfer.
• The concept of copying in design is complex and nuanced, and can involve both explicit and implicit forms of borrowing and inspiration.
• The value of the exchange between Apple and Xerox is disputed, with some arguing that the $1M in stock was a fair price for the access to Xerox's research, while others believe it was a steal.
• The story of Apple and Xerox has been distorted over time, with some accounts exaggerating or misrepresenting the nature of the exchange and its significance.
• The idea that copying is a natural part of the design process is not universally accepted, with some arguing that it can stifle innovation and creativity.
• The tension between copying and originality is a longstanding issue in design, with some arguing that copying can be a powerful tool for learning and innovation, while others see it as a threat to intellectual property and creative ownership.