Last Friday people stood in line for hours to obtain the latest and greatest gadget - the iPhone. Leading up to that event there were (and continue to be) countless discussions breaking down every aspect of the products design. It is hard to debate the innovation of this device and how it will change/influence everything that comes after it. Users expectations have again been raised. 

What about those everyday things that we all use, but don't think much about. Sure, these items did not have people lined up around the block when they debuted, but they have remained and that alone is something to admire. Johnathan Glancey, architecture critic for the Guardian Unlimited, has spent time looking back at some past innovation in a weekly series he titles, "Classics of Everyday Design". Some of the everyday items that have been featured are:   

(No. 1) The Catseye - designed by Percy Shaw. A Simple concoction of glass, rubber and cast iron, this reflecting road-stud has saved countless lives.

(No. 2) The Paperclip - designed by inventor Johan Vaaler in 1899. It remains indispensable and is yet to be superceded. From a simple tool to a national symbol of resistance, the paperclip is a small triumph of everyday design.

(No. 11) The Brio, or Bic Crystal ballpoint pen - patented in 1938 by Lazo and Georg Biro and redesigned by Marcel Bich in 1950. Everyday, some 14 million are sold worldwide.

(No. 17) Yale Key - first patented by Linus Yale Jr in 1861, improved in 1865 and remains the standard key for all front doors around the world.

(No. 20) Polyprop Chair - designed by Robin Day and in production since 1963. An essential prop of school assembly halls, libraries and lunchrooms, at least 14 million have been made to date. 

As designers we are always looking forward to the next great thing, it is strangely refreshing to look back and see how those things we all take for granted continue to influence us today.