TECH STYLE | Then is Now

Retro modern style is not only the fashion in clothing– the latest technology trends also have us looking "back to the future." In computing, Apple leads the way in digital product design. For its software applications, iPhone apps and, most recently, apps for the iPad, the visual "look & feel" of Apple products set the benchmark for other designers and companies to measure up to. However, much of the inspiration for Apple's cutting edge design comes from the Braun appliances from the 1960s, conceived and realised by the vision of Dieter Rams.

Classic design is timeless. As our gadgets become adept at their function, it's only natural to consider their form– and to look to the past for elements of style that give our technological possessions and surroundings a touch of charm and personality.

So how can you go retro and at the same time show off your geek credentials by sporting the latest kit? Lucky for you, we've assembled some product ideas to help you get started.

Flashback photography on your smartphone

Hipstamatic, $1.99 USD / £1.19 GBP, iTunes Store (http://hipstamaticapp.com/)

The iPhone isn't known for having the best camera, but that doesn't mean you can't take funky pictures. With Hipstamatic, you can turn your iPhone into a variety of old-fashioned toy cameras to give your pictures a distinct, unique and quirky look . Choose from any of the 3 lenses, 3 films and 1 flash, included as standard, and you may continue to buy add-on packs for additional lenses, films, flashes and gel-packs.

Or if you prefer your photos shaken, not stored

Polaroid 600 One Kit Giambarba, £135.00 GBP, The Impossible Project (http://the-impossible-project.com/)

Who can resist the magic of watching a picture develop before your eyes, and to think– Polaroid had discontinued their classic instant camera. Although by popular demand, it was brought back with an updated, yet traditional look as created by Paul Giambarba- the man who was responsible for the original packaging design for Polaroid in the late 50's.

Pick up the phone with style

Desk Phone Dock, price n/a, Kee Utility (http://www.deskphonedock.com/)

Gone are the days of sitting back in your Eames office chair, sipping whiskey from a highball tumbler, while shouting at your assistant "those outfits should have been in Milan by now," before slamming the handset down. Tapping on your iPhone to hang up just doesn't have the same effect– and you wouldn't want to slam it down and scratch the screen, would you? Well– now you can have your smartphone and handset too. The Desk Phone Dock is a cradle for your iPhone that turns it into something that would look at home on the desk of a 1970s architect.

A Timeless Timepiece

Stührling Classic Ascot, $69.99 USD, Stührling Original (http://www.stuhrling.com/)

Rooted in the history of Swiss engineering, Stührling has been crafting timepieces since the 1800s. The Classic Ascot is a watch that is both modern, and timeless. It would be as much in fashion during the 60s as it is today. On top of that, it is reasonably priced, so going retro doesn't have to make your wallet history.

This isn't your grandfather's drum and bass

Bush TR82DABCC DAB/FM Radio, £59.99 GBP, Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/)

A radio with a 1950s exterior and a state-of-the-art interior. With a digital radio tuner inside, this age-old radio has be retrofit for the new millennium. Named after Shepherd's Bush, where the company was founded, the name Bush represents one of the pioneering brands of the golden age of radio.

The designer behind the designers

Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams, $78.00 USD / £45.00 GBP, Gestalten Books (http://www.gestalten.com/)

Get inspiration from the work that continues to inspire Apple and countless other designers. As Head of Design for Braun A.G. from the 1960s through the 1990s, Dieter Rams oversaw the creation of numerous products that have become design icons. With this retrospective of his work, and design ethos in your library, you'll surely find many more examples of classic design influences in modern technology to help you develop your own retro modern style.

Kai Turner
Director of Oxidant, a digital product design company. (kai@oxidant.co.uk)