Socio-economic influences

Question 1

Give 3 examples of how awareness of socio-economic influences can be used to develop and market products more successfully

Answer 1

Technology - market expensive devices for consumers who prioritise their need for the latest models
Furniture - mass-produce budget furniture to cater for the changing needs of the population
Demographic changes such as ageing population affect the demand for particular products

Question 2

What art movement did post-first world war largely influence?

Answer 2

Bauhaus

Question 3

What materials was adopted as a result of post first world war influence as a replacement for wood?

Answer 3

tubular steel

Question 4

How did the second world war influence furniture design?

Answer 4

utility furniture fulfilled basic furniture requirements
prioritised helping newly wed couples or those made homeless by bombing
designs were strong, simple and fit for purpose (Arts and Crafts Influence)

Question 5

What are utility products?

Answer 5

post-second world war basic products that were often rationed

Question 6

What was the council of industrial design set up to improve?

Answer 6

standards of design through training, assessment and info

country’s competitiveness in a post-utility environment

Question 7

Give 2 contemporary developments that gave product design an impetus

Answer 7

polymer manufacture - moulded products

transistor - electronic products e.g. record player