A very 1990s style of industrial design that effected everything from cars and pens to buildings and pruning shears. Basically, the idea that organic and natural looking curves made human interaction easier than do sharp angles, flat plains, or more generally geometric shapes. But in the end, they were just trying to make everything look cool. By this point, most people are sick of ergonomic design --having been immersed in it for 10 years-- and are ready for a dramatic change.

The direction of industrial design would appear to be moving now toward very artificial angles, surfaces, and shapes. Sharp lines, harsh edges, and just generally less soft and round. Examples: the 2000 and 2001 models of most Ford cars. Expect more soon.