Designer and Company Case Studies

Question 1

What are some facts about Philippe Starck’s background?

Answer 1

• He was born on January 18th 1949 in France.
• His father (Andre Starck) was an engineer from whom he took a lot of inspiration.
• His style is contemporary, featuring bright colours and unusual shapes and materials.

Question 2

Describe the Juicy Salic Citrus-Squeezer and its significance.

Answer 2

• Widely considered a design icon for its controversial design.
• It was modelled after a squid: the simplistic teardrop shape held up by three thin legs.
• The aesthetics were prioritised, so even when it ended up being not that functional, it was still a popular design.

Question 3

Describe the Gun Lamp and its significance.

Answer 3

• Made in collaboration with lamp company Flos.
• It was a lamp which was supported by a gold-plated gun, holding up a black lampshade.
• The lamp is treated as a symbol of money and war.

Question 4

Describe the Axor Starck V and it’s significance.

Answer 4

• It was a transparent crystal glass tap which showed the water spiral up in a vortex.
• It was said that it ‘encapsulates the wonder of water in motion’.

Question 5

How have apple impacted design?

Answer 5

• Their company catchphrase is ‘think different’, and they focus primarily on user experience.
• They revolutionised the experience of a personal computer through simplistic, minimalistic design, making software more intuitive, so it can be more accessible to all.

Question 6

Who founded Apple and when?

Answer 6

Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak.

Question 7

What influence did the iPod have?

Answer 7

• Released in 2001, the iPod revolutionised personal music playing.
• It had much greater storage for music than existing alternatives and was very portable.

Question 8

What influence did the iPad have?

Answer 8

• It was the most portable personal computer so far.
• Its intuitive operating system made computing accessible to all.
• Its simplistic, elegant design made the product seem attractive.
• Its touchscreen made product interaction much easier and more intuitive.

Question 9

What influence did the Apple Pencil have?

Answer 9

• It took the desirable characteristics of the alternative of paper and pen and made them applicable to the iPad.
• This broadened the market of the iPad to artists and graphic designers, as well as improving general functionality for all.