2011 First-Class Forever Stamp,Pioneers of American Design: Henry Dreyfuss,Desk Telephone

U.S. #4546f

2011 44¢ Pioneers of American Industrial Design – 

Henry Dreyfuss

Issue Date: June 29, 2011

Henry Dreyfuss (1904-1972) designs seemed to be a part of every home in America.  From the revolutionary development of telephones, to the ever-present round thermostat produced by Honeywell, Dreyfuss had a big influence on American lifestyles.  

In 1930, while working for Bell Labs, Dreyfuss designed the Model 302 phone – the now-instantly recognizable black receiver nestled on an angled base.  It was the first time that both the microphone and the receiver were in the same hand-held unit, and would be a mainstay for decades.  Over the years, Dreyfuss also designed other widely known models like the “Princess” phone and the “Trimline.” 

A key part of Dreyfuss’ design philosophy involved ergonomics – the study of how machines and equipment interact with the human body.  Dreyfuss focused on improving comfort and ease of use in his products.  He went so far as to learn how to drive a tractor to better understand how to improve the design of John Deere tractor seating.

Other Dreyfuss innovations include the first upright Hoover vacuum and the first toilet seat shaped to the human body.  He summed up his approach by saying, “If people are made safer, more comfortable, more eager to purchase, more efficient, or just happier, the designer has succeeded.”