2.2 Design Theory

Question 1

Philippe Starck

Answer 1

• postmodern
• kitchenware (Alessi)
• focus on aesthetics over function, more sculptural
• democratic design (architecture & interiors)
  > design for general public not elite
• good design should be accessible to all
• also designed for luxury
• Juicy Salif :)

Question 2

James Dyson

Answer 2

• streamline designer
• bagless vacuums
• also hair dryers, hand dryers, wheel barrows

Question 3

Margaret Calvert

Answer 3

• modernist
• graphic designer
• transport font & pictograms
• stylised silhouette = clear communication
• upper & lower case letters improves readability

Question 4

Dieter Rams

Answer 4

• functionalist (modernism)
• 10 key principles of design
• Braun
  > electronics similar to bauhaus furniture
• relied on technological developments (transistor, thermoplastics etc)

Question 5

Dieter Rams’ 10 key principles of design

Answer 5

1. Innovative
2. makes a product useful
3. aesthetic
4. makes a product understandable
5. unobtrusive
6. honest (no attempt to manipulate consumer)
7. long-lasting
8. thorough to the last detail
9. environmentally friendly
10. as little as possible

Question 6

Charles & Ray Eames

Answer 6

• American industrial designers
• moulded furniture (Plywood & polymers)
• work w/ US navy to develop leg splints > develop lounge chair using laminated wood
• single form furniture
• house reflected De Stijl architecture

Question 7

Marianne Brandt

Answer 7

• bauhaus
• head of metal work at the school
• geometrically pure kitchenware
• successful when bauhaus still considered too controversial
• simplicity ensured longevity

Question 8

Arts & Crafts Movement

Answer 8

- criticised industrial revolution
> craftsmanship lost
- appreciation of natural materials
- often reflected natural forms
- hand crafted
- unfortunately products expensive
- influenced by socialist ideals (dehumanising effect of industry
- asymmetry, stylised
- William Morris

Question 9

Art Deco

Answer 9

• influenced by ancient Egyptians & Aztecs
• simple geometric forms ( eg ziggurat)
• began during Great Depression- symbolised luxury & opulence
• sunburst motif- new age after WWI
• machine aesthetic (suggests mass production & industrialisation)
• functionalism (design should be determined by function NOT aesthetic
• ivory, enamel, bronze, dark woods, leather, etc

Question 10

modernism (De Stijl)

Answer 10

• dutch
• rectilinear forms
• primary colours (Mondrian)
• asymmetrical

Question 11

modernism (bauhaus)

Answer 11

• FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION- aesthetic appearance dictated by how product works
• products for a machine age
• everyday objects for everyday people (embrace modern manufacturing, affordable)
• German school
• rebel against ornamentation
• geometrically pure
• chrome/steel tubing, plywood, leather
• Wassily chair

Question 12

streamlining

Answer 12

• aerodynamics- began to affect car bodies
• sign of modernity
• smooth, polished surfaces w/ sleek curves
• Futurama exhibition
• no excessive ornamentation
• US based, unpopular in UK
• modern materials (polymers etc), wood, leather

Question 13

post modernism

Answer 13

• rebellion against simplicity & lack of ornamentation of modernism!
• playful, v colourful (contrasting)
• juxtaposition of geometric forms
• abstract & sculptural
• anthropomorphic & zoomorphic
• aesthetic take precedence over function
• “less is a bore”