The London Transport Underground Map and the Volkswagen Beetle Video (DVD)

Some designs stand out from all others, achieving recognition for their brands and creators that would otherwise have been unattainable. Nowhere is this more evident than in the two examples examined by this video documentary: the unmistakable London Underground map and the venerable Volkswagen Beetle.

The London Underground enjoys its status as one of the most recognized transport networks in the world not just because of its city or size, but because designer Harry Beck was able to take an extremely complex system and visualize it in such a clear, concise way. From the deceptively simple style of his presentation to the universal font and color scheme, Beck was able to create in 1931 a design that has not been surpassed to this day.

The Volkswagen Beetle had even greater obstacles to overcome, thanks to its roots in Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany. Despite these obviously negative associations, designer Ferdinand Porsche managed to craft a style that not only captured the public's attention on both sides of the Atlantic, but one which defines an era and continues to be reworked for a new generation of consumers.

This video will help students to understand how these iconic designs came to life and the common themes that help them to endure, even as tastes and design styles continue to change.

The London Transport Underground Map and the Volkswagen Beetle Video (DVD)

• Run Time: 21 Minutes
• Copyright Date: 1997
• CC