1.1 Daniel Weil, Pentagram Design, Radio in a Bag (1983).

1.2 The first working transistor (1947). Replica. Courtesy Science Museum/ Science and Society Picture Library.

1.3 Daniel Weil, Pentagram Design, Clock (1983).

1.4 Andrea Branzi, Leaf Electroluminescent Lamp (1988). Photograph: Santi Caleca.

1.5 Kunstflug Formgestaltung, The Electronic Room: Programmable Appearances Surfaces, Appliances, Comfort.

1.6 Kunstflug Formgestaltung, Electronic Hand Calculator. Photograph: Walter Vogel.

1.7 Fiona Raby, Balcony (1995).

1.8 Robert Rauschenberg, Oracle (1965). Copyright Robert Rauschenberg/ VAGA, New York/DACS, London 1999.

2.1 Ettore Sottsass ELEA 9003 (1959). Photograph: Sala Dino. Courtesy Archivio Storico Olivetti, Ivrea, Italy.

2.2 Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, Brion Vega television (1969). Photograph: Aldo Ballo.

2.3 Matthew Archer, miniature computer (1985).

2.4 Winfried Scheuer, Fan Heater (1981).

2.5 Lisa Krohn, with assistance from Tucker Viemeister, answerphone (1987).

2.6 Mario Trimarchi and Marco Susani, New Tools (for the kitchen) (1992). Cultural and technical support: Stefano Marzano, Philips Corporate Industrial Design. Exhibited at Il Giardino Delle Cose in the Triennale Di Milano. Photograph: Santi Caleca.

2.7 Stelarc, Third Hand (1976 1981).

2.8 Peter Stathis, Satori TV (1988).

2.9 Alan Rath, C-Clamp (1992). Courtesy Haines Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

2.10 Daniel Weil, Pentagram Design, Four Boxes and One Radio (1983).

2.11 Daniel Weil, Pentagram Design, Small Door (1986).

2.12 Kei ichi Irie, Lascaux Chair (1988).

2.13 Masaki Fujihata, Forbidden Fruits (1991).

3.1 Jack Kevorkian, Suicide Machine. Photograph: Jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma.

3.2 Drinking cane. Courtesy Patrick D.