London's old, intensely convoluted subway required a new kind of map that broke the rules of cartography. Chris Spurgeon explains why the 1931 Underground map was copied from Tokyo to Chicago.

Designed for keeping ammunition dry in World War II, duct tape is now available in every color, clear, camouflage, and tie-dye. Author Tim Nyberg explains how duct tape has become ubiquitous. Produced by Dennis Nishi.

Graphic designer Steven Heller tells the story of a seaside landmark known as the "Eiffel Tower of Coney Island."

Architect William Katavolos remembers the inventor of the most popular puzzle of the 1980s -- The Rubik's Cube.

The Italian icon of mid-century transport is back in the States, zipping around in irresistible candy colors. Paola Antonelli, design curator at the Museum of Modern Art, has her own soft spot for the scooter. Produced by Angela Frucci.

Design Critic Philip Nobel confesses a peculiar passion for a household appliance-- The Miele vacuum cleaner.

Graphic designer Michael Bierut appraises the design of the single most familiar government form, the one due to the IRS on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Bob Clevenhagen has been the head designer at Rawlings for more than thirty years -- and he's only the third person to hold that title in the company's 130-year history. We found Bob in his office at the Rawlings factory in Washington, Missouri. Produced by Benjamin Conniff.

You put your coins in, they disappear forever ... and somehow you don't mind. We sent Hammad Ahmed to Atlantic City to find out what makes a slot machine spin.

Buy any robots lately? Robotics engineer Daniel H. Wilson explains what's so special about a sentient little vacuum cleaner called the "Roomba." Produced by Caitlin Lindsey.