4 - Socio-economic influences - Contemporary times

Question 1

What led to the increasing demand for mass-produced furniture and more decorative design?

Answer 1

• Utility products were robust and practical, however people began to get bored of their drabness
• This led to them seeking more exciting, fashionable and decorative designs

Question 2

When was the Council of Industrial Design (COID) set up?

Answer 2

• 1944

Question 3

What were the two aims of the Council of Industrial Design?

Answer 3

• To improve the standards of design through training, assessment and formation
• To improve the company’s competitiveness in a post-utility (rationing) environment

Question 4

What 2 exhibitions did the Council of Industrial Design hold and why?

Answer 4

• The ‘Britain Can Make It’ exhibition (1946)
• The ‘Festival of Britain’ (1951)

The exhibitions were held to promote British design

Question 5

What did the Council of Industrial Design give way to? When? What was their role?

Answer 5

The Design Council, in 1972

• Act as the governments advisory body for design
• Focus on products, service, user experience and design in the built environment