4 - Socio-economic Influences

Question 1

What is one Major influence the First world war had on Design?

Answer 1

• The prominence of the use of metal tubing as opposed to wood
• This was used in the frames of spy planes in the war due to its multidirectional strength
• This then led to the use of tubular steel in many Bauhaus designs

Question 2

How did WW2 influence design?

Answer 2

• Constant bombing, and factories being used to aid the war effort caused a shortage of many goods
• This led to a focus on Utility products where only simple necessary products were manufactured

Question 3

What is the Council of Industrial Design?

Answer 3

• A post WW2 british organisation set up to improve design standards and competitiveness

Question 4

What is one contemporary influence on design?

Answer 4

• Development of mass manufacture and flat pack furniture means that people can purchase aesthetic decorative furniture for cheap prices rather than buying utility products or once in a lifetime purchases