What are Technology Push and Market Pull? How Design Evolves What are Technology Push and Market Pull?

How Design Evolves Technology Push and Market Pull Technology Push is a process by which the advances in science and technology are used to create new products that consumers might want. For example, mobile phone have developed from a simple communication device for making calls to personal computing devices or ‘personal digital assistants’ (PDAs). Market Pull describes how the inspiration for new products often comes from the needs of society. Market research and analysis of existing products can help manufacturers improve their products. A good example is the development of gloves that allow you to still use a touch screen phone. Environmental, Social and Political factors might also influence the need to develop new products. For example Fair Trade chocolate and electric powered cars.

The Influence of Fashion The influence of fashion and trends on product design cannot be over-estimated. Many manufacturers employ agencies to predict trends in colour, pattern and style. Many products will have seasonal changes, with customers changing their wardrobe on a annual basis and their home interior every 3-5 years - trends Fashion can be influenced by changes in society and the economy. For example: During the 80’s the UK economy was booming and there was a rapid increase in demand for ‘designer’ products to furnish the city apartments of upwardly mobile consumers. Modern high-quality leather and chrome furniture was popular and fitted well with the money-driven business-like ethic of young, ambitious professionals. Today people generally have more eclectic tastes and demand products that will enable them to achieve a more individual look. This poses a challenge to manufacturers, who have to respond quickly to market pressures.

Historical Influences on Product Design – 1900-1970s INFLUENTIAL DESIGNERS AND DESIGN MOVEMENTS THAT HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN.

The Great Exhibition of 1851 During the industrial revolution technology was developed that for the first time allowed manufacturers to mass produce consumer products (Technology Push). These products were showcased in the Great Exhibition of 1851, unfortunately though the products were not well received. Many products were too elaborate, of poor quality and difficult to operate. By 1900, manufacturers had begun to understand that products needed to reflect the needs and wants of consumers. The role of the product designer was born. video

The Arts and Crafts Movement William Morris founded the Arts and Crafts movement at the end of the 19th Century. His designs included furniture, wallpaper and textiles, but the style also influenced many architects. He was keen to promote the production of quality products made using expensive materials and traditional techniques

Art Nouveau A French design style first developed by artists of the early 20th century that was based on stylised organic shapes. Although Art Nouveau was replaced by 20th-century modernist styles, it is considered now as an important transition between the classic revival design style and modernism.

Art Deco Beginning in France in the 1920s Deco emerged from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming culture. One of its major attributes is an embrace of technology. This distinguishes Deco from the organic motifs favoured by its predecessor Art Nouveau.

Modernism Modernist designs began to focus primarily on the function of the product and the needs of the user. This was a switch of priority from earlier decorative styles. Forms used were more geometric so as to be easier to mass produce and modern materials like steel and the first plastics were used.

Modernism - Bauhaus The Bauhaus was a school of art and design, founded in Germany by Walter Gropius. Between 1919 and 1933, Bauhaus designers experimented with new materials, mass production methods and innovative forms. The underlying principals were: ‘Form follows function’ ‘Everyday objects for everyday people’ ‘Products for the machine age’ Geometrically pure forms.

Modernism – Frank Lloyd Wright Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator, who designed more than 1,000 structures in the arts and crafts then modernist style. Wright believed in designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. This philosophy was best exemplified by Fallingwater (1935).

De Stijl De Stijl is a Dutch art and design movement founded in 1917. It made use of geometric shapes and bright, primary colours. The look of the design pieces often took priority over the comfort and practicality.

Mid-Century Modernism & American Industrial Design Mid-century modernism was a reaction to the machine aesthetic of the international style and Bauhaus. Key exponents were Americans Charles Eames Raymond Loewy also Scandinavian designers such as Arne Jacobsen and Eero Saarinen. These designers wanted to create a less geometric more organic form of modernism that would be more sympathetic to people’s needs and desires.

Historical Influences on Product Design INFLUENTIAL DESIGNERS AND DESIGN MOVEMENTS THAT HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN.

Post-Modernism Post-Modernist design can be traced back to the sixties with the emergence of Pop-Art and Design. In the 80s Post-Modern designers and architects reacted against the simplification of modernism and wanted to add more decoration and excitement to the look of their products. Functionality was of minimal importance, and designs were aimed to appeal to the well-off, fashion-conscious youth culture. Inspiration was sometimes drawn from classical styles, such as ancient Egypt.

Post-Modernism – The Memphis Group Italian designers were key in the development of postmodernist design. The Memphis Group was set up in Milan by Ettoire Sottsass in the early 80’s. Furniture was designed to give maximum visual impact and was created with modern materials such as MDF and brightly coloured melamine laminates. The Carlton Dresser was barely functional and intended as a statement piece. Post- Modernists often tried to blur the line between design and art/sculpture.

‘Blobjects’ In the later part of the 20th century the development of CAD and CAM has given designers the flexibility to design shapes in any forms that they can imagine. This technology push has lead to the popularity of products in organic, amorphous or blob-like forms.

‘Blobjects’ – Ross Lovegrove British designer Ross Lovegrove combined inspiration from his Post-Modernist mentors Martine Bedin & Philippe Starck with a detailed understanding of modern materials, manufacturing techniques and ergonomics. He has become famous for his organic aesthetic and forward-looking ecologically aware products.

Minimalism & Neo-Modernism Minimalism and Modernism are related as they both endeavour to strip away a design to its essential elements and forms (hence Neo-Modernism). ‘Minimalism’ started as an art movement in the sixties but in product design it is now typified by the work of British designers such as Barber Osgerby and Jasper Morrison.

Contemporary Design - Neo-Futurism Contemporary design is perhaps more diverse than it has ever been, with a wide variety of styles that are popular with modern consumers. One current design style of note is Neo-Futurism, two famous proponents of which are Zaha Hadid and Thomas Heatherwick. Neo-Futurism is forward-thinking and avant- garde in its approach, often using modern materials and extravagant stream-lined shapes.

Product Analysis Study the picture of the decanter designed by Charles Robert Ashbee. Describe how this product was influenced by Arts and Crafts principles. Your answer should make reference to materials, construction methods, function and aesthetics.

Product Analysis Materials & Manufacture: The decanter is simply constructed: the silver wires are soldered into place without disguise or refinement. The hammer marks on the surface bear witness to the fact that it was handmade. The glass is hand-blown using traditional processes. All the above is typical of the Arts & Crafts movement and its philosophy of honesty to materials and hand production methods. Function & Aesthetics: The design is simple and elegant with organic forms and a reminiscent of Art Nouveau. The ornament is concentrated around the finial (decorative knob). Otherwise the metal is left plain. The decanter is decorative but also functional and would probably be used when entertaining. The quality materials and highly skilled processes used would make this product prohibitively expensive for all but the most wealthy of customers.

Product Analysis Study the picture of the ‘Jack light’ designed by Tom Dixon. Describe how this product was influenced by contemporary design principles. Your answer should make reference to materials, construction methods, function and aesthetics.

Product Analysis Materials and Manufacture: The product is made from polyethylene thermoplastic which is readily available, inexpensive and recyclable. Rotational moulding is used as a cheap, low-tech and effective manufacturing process. These processes allow manufacture multiples of the Jack light on an affordable commercial basis. The hard-wearing polyethylene makes them very suitable for bar furniture. Function and Aesthetics: The form is more than a sculptural, free-standing light. It is strong enough to be sat on, but light enough to be lifted easily. This emphasises its multi-purpose design and also underlines that it is designed for handling and interaction. Where more than one light is present, they can be stacked neatly. The soft, opalescent effect of the light filtering through the polyethylene is enhanced by the rounded edges and matt texture.

Exam Question With the aid of diagrams describe the work of a Post-Modernist designer you are familiar with and explain how Post-Modernist principles influence the design. [12]