Design Periods Through History
The use of technology and styling has been shaped by many key periods due to many reasons including:
- new materials
- new methods of manufacture
- political influences
- social influences
- economic circumstances
- inspiration of vision of designers and engineers of the time
The following periods of design are some of the key recognised periods that helped shape the world around us
"Pre Industrial Revolution"
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Before the industrial revolution, people had very few possessions and everyday products were hand made on a small scale of poor quality.
Only the very rich could afford to have many possessions which were over-elaborate or expensive.
The Industrial Revolution (Late 1700s to Early 1800s)
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The Industrial Revolution happened with the introduction of steam and hence mass manufacturing processes. The industrial revolution also brought about the construction of roads and canals that helped improve trade
As a result:
- Products were cheaper,
- More people could afford them
- A wider range of products became available
However style and quality were low
The Arts and Crafts Movement (1880-1910)
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The Arts and Crafts movement rejected the boring design and mechanisation of the industrial revolution and aimed to put craftsmanship and style into everyday products. Designers drew their inspiration and from the use of natural materials and the use of organic shapes and natural forms.
One aim of the movement was to put ‘man’ back in to the design and manufacturing process, Craft skills and good honest design would again be central to the manufacturing process.
Art Nouveau
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Art Nouveau (new art) aimed to put art into everyday products, designers drawing inspiration from fre-flowing lines, organic and natural shapes. More intricate and elaborate designs were produced.
Swan Bed - natural shape using beauty of the swan.
Bauhaus (1919-1933)
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Bauhaus was a school of art and design set up in Germany based on the following principles:
- Form follows Function
- Simple geometric shapes and clean lines to be used
- Everyday objects for everyday people
- Products should be designed to be made using new materials and manufacturing processes
Art Deco (1925-1939)
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Art Deco was a very popular style that aimed to make everyday products stylish, functional, elegant and ultra modern.
Art Deco features:
- Geometric Shapes
- Stepped Forms
- Sweeping Curves
Utility (1940s)
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During the Second World War the manufacturing industry was taken over by the demands of conflict, making tanks, planes and weapons. This had a massive impact on designing especially with materials being in short supply. Designs had to be:
- Simple
- Functional
- Quick and easy to make
- Inexpensive materials
- Simple
- Functional
- Quick and easy to make
- Inexpensive materials
Post War Design
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Thee were many advances made during the second world war (1939-1945) with both material and manufacturing technologies. This had an obvious knock on effect with everyday products, once materials became more readily available.
Late 20th Century Design
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The consumer market was growing and people were demanding more sophisticated products. Materials and manufacturing technologies were advancing really quickly as well. This led to strong competition in the market place a rapid growth in product development. Electronics development led to an ever increasing rang of everyday products for our daily usage at an affordable price.
21st Century Design .... and the Future
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With the over indulgence of the 20th century and with a greater awareness of environmental damage, the 21st century is being shaped more by energy efficiency and the ability to reduce environmental damage. Designers need to consider this at all stages of the design and make stage looking at the 'Product Life Cycle'
The pushing of scientific boundaries at the molecular level such as the use of 'nanotechnology' will make products that are more efficient and hence reduce the environmental impact. Microelectronics will also give products more interactivity and offer greater design features. The use of Graphene is one that will really impact upon your life and could be seen as the next step change in technology.
The pushing of scientific boundaries at the molecular level such as the use of 'nanotechnology' will make products that are more efficient and hence reduce the environmental impact. Microelectronics will also give products more interactivity and offer greater design features. The use of Graphene is one that will really impact upon your life and could be seen as the next step change in technology.