Deconstructing Product Design in the NY Times

Bialetti Moka ExpressThe NYTimes Magazine blog ran a story on the origins and ubiquity of the Bialetti Moka Express, with its humble roots in an earlier era of economic austerity:

Like those of us who have limited our trips to Starbucks since the start of the current recession, the Italians of the early 1930s were easing up on their trips to the cafe. The Moka Express, a stovetop espresso machine that was meant for the home, provided both an affordable espresso and a beautiful object to make it in.

Included was our account of Alfonso Bialetti’s process of inspiration — watching his wife do the laundry. Read the Times story…