Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized  by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the 1950s in the five Nordic countries.

The idea that beautiful and functional everyday objects should not only be affordable to the wealthy, but to all, is a core theme in the development of modernism and functionalism. This is probably most completely realized in post-WWII Scandinavian design.

The ideological background was the emergence of a particular Scandinavian form of social democracy in the 1950s, as well as the increased availability of new low-cost materials and methods for mass production. Scandinavian design often makes use of form-pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enameled aluminum or pressed steel.

Scandinavian design often makes use of form-pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enameled aluminum or pressed steel.

The concept of Scandinavian design has been the subject of many scholarly debates, exhibitions and marketing agendas since the 1950s.

Many emphasize the democratic design ideals that were a central theme of the movement and are reflected in the rhetoric surrounding contemporary Scandinavian and international design.

Apple computer products seem to embody the typical Scandinavian Design principles. They incorporate a practical design aesthetic while emphasizing simplicity. They make use of anodized aluminum frames and boxes for housing their computer systems.

Apple has demonstrated that design and experience are interconnected. I believe that it was Steve Jobs’ goal to make Apple technology products more accessible by utilizing this modernist and minimalist approach to product design.

Indeed, companies such as nordicappeal.com have picked up on this and capitalized on the popularity of this trend by offering Danish Designed Apple Accessories.

What do you think? Was Steve Jobs inspired by Scandinavian Design? Do you consider Apple computers to be minimalist products?