The Möbius Strip is a two-dimensional surface with only one side. This enigmatic shape was discovered in 1858 by German Mathematician August Ferdinand Möbius.
Some of the applications for this unique object have been on conveyor belts that last longer because the entire surface area of the belt gets the same amount of wear and as continuous-loop recording tapes that provide double the playing time.
Its fascinating to me how such a simple tweak can create such a radical change in the function of an object.
It’s unique form has also been the inspiration of many designers. From jewelry like the Möbius Ring by Klaus Spies, or trophies like this WFFA Design with moving bearings for the Woodie Flowers Award for Engineering.
To a variety of dramatic 3D printed iterations by Digital Sculptors Jotero and Dizingof.
In architecture a good example is the Swallows Nest by Vincent Callebaut Architects in Taichung, Taiwan.
But probably the most famous and iconic design expression of the Möbius Strip is in the Möbius footwear design by United Nude.
A design that started out as just a few pieces of cut out cardboard
and became an iconic women’s footwear design.
74 FOOTWEAR DESIGN CONSULTING 