Belief in progress and growing economic prosperity were central aspects of the American way of life around 1950. Everything seemed possible, and people strove to be 'modern'. With the aim of bringing modern design into American homes, George Nelson conceived a wide array of everyday objects: lamps, clocks and other domestic accessories. Up until the 1970s, the Nelson office created many different items for the home, including the Bubble Lamps and the Ball Clock, which became icons of mid-century modern design.