Frutiger Aero: The Future of The 2000's
Frutiger Aero, a technology-based design style from 2004-2013, was named after the “humanist” Frutiger font family created by Adrian Frutiger and the Windows Aero UI. This aesthetic had a huge influence on technology, UI design, advertisements, games, cinema, and interior design.
Common elements include a glossy or glass-like texture, nature, high-definition pictures, round edges, skeuomorphism, and a 3D look.
The Frutiger Era (2004-2013)
The Frutiger Aero era beganin the early 2000s, when computer technology was improving drastically and becoming a part of everyday life. The World Wide Web had entered the Web 2.0 phase, which introduced social media, interactive websites, and apps, and gave users the ability to upload, create and post their own content.
Technology in the 2000's
Elements of Frutiger Aero reflected the rapid evolution of technology and the optimism surrounding it. Themes such as nature and futuristic architecture were commonly found together, representing the utopic dream of a “green future”. Improvements in computers also meant that hyper realistic pictures could be created, explaining the 3D and skeuomorphic designs at the time.
The Future of Frutiger Aero
By 2013, Frutiger Aero started to fall out of favour compared to more minimalistic design aesthetics such as Flat Design and Corporate Memphis. As technology became more integrated into society, the novelty and optimism towards technology faded and so did Frutiger Aero.
Artifacts
Phones & Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
Apple iPod Touch, image from Amazon
Apple iPod Touch
Apple released the first iPod Touch around the same time as the iPhone in 2007, but it was overshadowed by the iPhone’s popularity. The iPod was primarily used to store and play music, but it could be used for web-browsing and game storage. Like the iPhone, the iPod Touch had a rounded rectangular shape, encased in reflective chrome. Its skeuomorphic and sleek UI reflected the Frutiger Aero aesthetic of the time.
On loan from Trevor R. Grove
HP iPAQ PocketPC
The HP iPAQ PocketPC personal digital assistant allowed users to connect to the internet, play games, and had a camera function--which wasn’t common in the early 2000s.
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HP iPAQ PocketPC , image from the Computer Network
BlackBerry 8310
BlackBerry Curve 8310, image from GSMArena
The BlackBerry 8310 was part of the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series, with more “consumer-oriented” features such as GPS, camera, Wi-Fi, and accessibility to Microsoft Office products. The Curve models were also known for their round and glossy designs, and multiple colour options.
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Windows I-Mate™ K-JAM
A Windows I-Mate™ K-JAM, picture from the Computer Network
The Windows I-Mate K-JAM is a pocket PC from 2005 which ran the mobile Windows OS. It included a web browser app, a media player, and Microsoft Office products. The K-JAM was oval shaped and included a sliding keyboard with metallic keys.
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5th Gen iPod Classic
5th Gen iPod Classic, image from Amazon
The 5th generation iPod Classic was released in 2005, and broadly resembled previous iPods, with the button wheel and rounded appearance. It was the first iPod that could play videos, making it a popular choice for streaming music videos, movies, and TV shows.
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A Sharp Zaurus SL-5000 Mobile. Image from Amazon
Sharp Zaurus SL-5000 Mobile
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5000 personal digital assistant from 2006 offered a smooth metallic design, with a translucent case to protect the screen and rounded keys. It could be used for personal organization and music and could synchronize documents with Microsoft Office on a PC.
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Computers & Computer Accessories
Sony VAIO VGN-TX, image from Newegg
Sony VAIO VGN-TX
Sony released the Vaio VGN-TX in 2005 as a high-end portable laptop, part of the VAIO line with distinctive sleek, silver and lightweight design. Portability and battery life was prioritized over processing power, which did limit its functionality.
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Apple Pro Wired USB Keyboard
The Apple Pro keyboard’s transparent casing and opaque keys make it visually similar to the Apple Pro speakers and mouse.
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Apple Pro Wired USB Keyboard, image from Ebay
Apple Pro Speakers, image from Ebay
Apple Pro Speakers
The Apple Pro Speakers were released in 2001 alongside the iMac G4 computer. The speakers were well received by critics—some of have said they are the best speakers Apple ever released. The transparent and glossy speaker design complemented the iMac G4 computer, mouse, and monitor.
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Apple Pro Mouse
The Apple Pro Mouse was released as part of the iMac G4 collection in 2000. Controversially, Apple removed buttons on the mouse, opting for a sleeker and more uniform look in a transparent casing, while reducing it to one-click functionality.
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Black Apple Pro Mouse, image from Ebay
White Apple Pro Mouse, image from Ebay
Apple Hockey Puck Mouse, image from Techspot
Apple Hockey Puck Mouse
Apple’s “hockey puck” mouse accompanied the new Apple iMac G3. Just like the iMac , the mouse was translucent, colourful, and had a rounded design. Despite the visual appeal, the mouse the odd shape and one-click function made it inconvenient and hard to use, and it became Apple’s most hated mouse.
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Misc Objects
Misc Objects
Windows Vista case, image from Microsoft
Windows Vista
Microsoft released a new version of Windows in 2007 called Vista which helped establish the Frutiger Aero aesthetic.
The Aero part of “Frutiger Aero” comes from Windows Aero (Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open), a User Interface introduced in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, which included an iconic transparent glass borders in many elements.
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Nintendo Wii
Nintendo introduced the Wii gaming console in 2006 and included a motion sensor remote and attached “Nunchuck”. The Wii controllers were easy to learn, and its family-oriented games helped revolutionize console gaming. Franchises such as Wii sports, Mario Kart, the Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong solidified their presence and fanbase through the Wii.
On loan from Trevor R. Grove
Nintendo Wii, image from Amazon
BlackBerry Playbook, image from Amazon
BlackBerry Playbook
The BlackBerry Playbook is a tablet released in 2011, as part of a wave of many companies competing with the new Apple iPad. Like many other designs, the Playbook was sleek and slim, with minimal buttons for basic function such as the power and volume. Critics praised the Playbook hardware quality, but everyday users generally rejected it for lack of features.
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Contributors
This exhibit was possible thanks to the donations of , ,Douglas Clark,,,.
About The Author
Annabel is a 3B Psychology student at the University of ݮƵ. Her interests include graphic design, video games, fashion, and comics. She is the Winter 2025 co-op student at the Computer Museum
Exhibit Location
This exhibit can be found near DC 2935, between EIT and DC.