The Electric Light Bulb

What site dedicated to design could leave out the electric light bulb. This device fundamentally

changed the way we live our life.

When Edison started down the road to creating the light-bulb he had one thought in mind. A cheap and a safe way to provide light. The lamps that were used at the time were dirty, expensive to fuel, and

caused the destruction of property on a regular basis.

The light bulb was a nearly perfect solution. It was cheap, and produced a smooth consistent light. The infrastructure was also easier to install than gas. Wires are far more durable than pipes and less prone to explosions or leaks. 

And as far as asthetics, the lightbulb is almost spherical. (the world's favorite shape) Plus imagine the experience that is offered. By flipping a switch some mysterious force made light come into the room. It was akin the telephone. No one could really understand it. So it was an amazing thing to own at the time because it was magical.

Few products have been as perfect as the light bulb. When you think about it it is the perfect product. Cheap, easy to use, well shaped, and offering an experience that nothing else in the world can and has a twist that people can't comprehend. And setting a standard for over and hundred years ans still going.