iMac G3
Personal Computer
1998 (designed), 1998-1999 (manufactured)
1998 (designed), 1998-1999 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker |
The iMac G3 personal computer revolutionised the aesthetics of computers at the end of the 1990s and influenced the shapes and colours of all types of domestic electrical products. The distinctive appearance was due to Apple's Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, the British designer Jonathan Ive. His innovation was to house the computer in translucent coloured polycarbonate rather than giving it a standard grey box, enhancing its presence and appeal to a broad market. This is an example of the first model of iMac G3 computer designed in 1998, which was only available in 'Bondi Blue' and had a tray disk drive. Within a year this was superseded by a model with a slot disk drive and five new colours.
This example was bought about 2000 by Philip Steadman, a Professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, who chose it because of Apple computers' reputation amongst designers and architects for graphics capabilities.
This example was bought about 2000 by Philip Steadman, a Professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, who chose it because of Apple computers' reputation amongst designers and architects for graphics capabilities.
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Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
|
| Title | iMac G3 (manufacturer's title) |
| Brief description | iMac G3 personal computer, designed by Jonathan Ive for Apple Inc, 1998, manufactured by Apple Inc, 1998-9, translucent blue and white polycarbonate casing |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Mass produced |
| Gallery label | Playful design for the creative mind
The Apple iMac G3 revolutionised the look of computers in the late 1990s. Designer Jonathan Ive housed the iMac in a translucent, coloured plastic case, transforming the device into a distinctive and creative tool that appealed to a wide audience. Following the success of the iMac G3, playful designs of home and office electronics became more widely available.
Translucent desktop computer
iMac G3, 1998 (manufactured 1998–99)
Designed by Jonathan Ive
Manufactured for Apple, USA
Polycarbonate case, glass screen and electronic components Given by Philip Steadman
Museum no. W.29:1 to 3-2008
The object sits in the 'Automation and Labour' section of the Design 1900-Now gallery opened in June 2021.(2021) |
| Credit line | Given by Philip Steadman |
| Object history | This computer was bought at the end of the 1990s by the donor, a Professor of Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London |
| Historical context | The iMac G3 introduced a new colourful aesthetic to the design of computer hardware that was very influential on the design of all types of consumer electrical products in the late 1990s. |
| Summary | The iMac G3 personal computer revolutionised the aesthetics of computers at the end of the 1990s and influenced the shapes and colours of all types of domestic electrical products. The distinctive appearance was due to Apple's Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, the British designer Jonathan Ive. His innovation was to house the computer in translucent coloured polycarbonate rather than giving it a standard grey box, enhancing its presence and appeal to a broad market. This is an example of the first model of iMac G3 computer designed in 1998, which was only available in 'Bondi Blue' and had a tray disk drive. Within a year this was superseded by a model with a slot disk drive and five new colours. This example was bought about 2000 by Philip Steadman, a Professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, who chose it because of Apple computers' reputation amongst designers and architects for graphics capabilities. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.29:1 to 4-2008 |
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| Record created | July 1, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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