Topic 6

Question 1

classic design

Answer 1

• has a timeless quality that is recognised and remains fashionable
• serves as a standard of its time
• gradually acquired further value
• “iconic” product
• to ensure success over an extended period of time, addresses functionality and aesthetics, and forms an emotional connection with the users

Question 2

status and culture

Answer 2

status = increases in value over time, projects a certain status as it becomes more desirable, increases perceived status of user
culture = reflects cultural influences and marks transition points within a culture
status & culture
- shows the status of a breakthrough product (sets new standards or meanings)
- recognized across cultures
- defies obsolescence

Question 3

planned obsolescence

Answer 3

= deliberately designed to have a specific product cycle (usually shortened lifespan)
- designed to convince customers that the product is of quality even if it needs replacing eventually
customers want to rebuy it or get the updated version
the number of products available lessens over time –> increasing in value and becoming collectible/investable

Question 4

obsolescence

Answer 4

• no longer produced or used, out of date, no longer needed
• classic design transcend obsolescence and become desired objects long after they are manufactured

Question 5

image

Answer 5

• instantly recognizable aesthetic
• provokes emotional reactions
• widely imitated (usually with cheaper versions)
• the longevity of the design suggests quality and continued demand isn’t dependent on heavy markets

Question 6

conflict and compromise

Answer 6

• if a product is purely functional –> may be lacking in appeal to customers
• humans are often drawn to products that have been developed with form as the primary consideration (human psychology appreciates beauty)
• people may buy the more aesthetically pleasing product overlooking its function

Question 7

mass production

Answer 7

• the bulk manufacture of products with little to no customization
• the total cost per unit is lowered as less labor is required but setup costs are high
• helps constant presence (seen a lot)

Question 8

omnipresence

Answer 8

• means constant presence
• becomes part of our everyday lives –> becomes familiar and comfortable
• we start to attach emotions, feelings, and experiences to the product
• demand for product continues even when there are new and better products created

Question 9

dominant design

Answer 9

• implicit features that are recognized as essential
• emotional attachment
• users can’t see/believe that other products are better –> they don’t want to change from their reliable product

Question 10

form and function

Answer 10

form: the shape of a product and the aesthetic qualities that shape gives
function: the task a product has to fulfill and how well it fulfills that task
form vs function: tension between form and function when designing a new product but “form follows function”

Question 11

retro-styling

Answer 11

• uses the form/aesthetics of classic design from a specific period of time
• builds on the classic image but uses new technology
• mimics a product or past experience to evoke feelings of nostalgia

Question 12

practical function vs psychological function

Answer 12

practical: design criteria related to the performance of the product
psychological: criteria related to the emotional response of the product, the desirability of the object, “needs and wants” driven by fashion and technological trends
practical vs psychological:
- primary goals being practical may lead to product being intuitive
- a product transcends its practical function to meet psychological needs by evoking emotions –> aesthetically pleasing objects seem more effective