Most of the fictional technology and architecture seen in the series is based directly on the artwork from Simon Stålenhag's book. However the scripts called for a few new devices that were not seen in the book. Writer and producer Nathaniel Halpern wanted all of the new technology to match the visual aesthetic of the book, so he asked Stålenhag to consult on all of the production design. Stålenhag even designed some of the props, like George's prosthetic arm, himself.
Based on the art of Simon Stålenhag.
The theatre marquee in town (Ep1) advertises an actual move titled SUMMER WITH MONIKA. Released in 1953 and directed by Ingmar Bergman.
There is also a popular roleplaying game based on Stålenhag's art, which predates the series, and which is followed by Things from the Flood, also based on an artbook by Stålenhag.
The series is based on works by Simon Stålenhag, a Swedish artist - vehicles in his art tend to be Swedish. Thus the TV series prominently display Swedish cars like Volvo and Saab, mostly early 80s models or older (several of the yellow service vehicles with robotic arms are Volvo 200 Series, father of Danny Jannson drives one) as well as as other European branches, some are German Volkswagen (Russ' VW Type 3, Danny's mother VW Type 17 [Golf Mk1], police van is VW Type 2 [T3 version] ), French Peugeot 505 (George Willard) or the yellow 6 wheel truck, a British Alvis Salamander airport crash tender. You can also see Saab and Mercedes in the main street traffic.