Classic design

Retro-styling

-A style (form and/or decoration) from a classic design from another time period/era is used. -A Retro-styled product uses a classic image with modern-day technologies. - The 'Roberts' digital radio is based on the style of old transistor radios is an example. - Art Deco Style (1930's) has its roots form the exclusive hand-made French decorative arts (1920's). - It became incredibly popular decades later due to mass production (scales of economy) of products using different materials, such as metals, plastic and glass. - Being a decorative style it was easily added to many products (lamps, furniture) or surfaces (e.g. buildings) - It was used widely in Architecture and lighting

Conflict and compromise

-Conflict and compromise can occur during the development of the product. - Teams of specialists comprising of ergonomists, electrical engineers, materials engineers and product designers are involved in the development of industrial designed products. -Form over function may be an important aspect of the design for some members while for others it maybe function over form. -When considering form, students need to understand how it can be dictated by other functions such as design for manufacture techniques, for example, design for disassembly.

Ubiquitous/omnipresence

-How the constant presence of a product in a changing context leads to classic design status. -A classic design often has a constant presence, or omnipresence, in a rapidly changing context.

Obsolescence

-Obsolescence is something becoming obsolete or of no longer any use. Consumer electronics such as your mobile phone often fall into this category. Many people will replace there mobile within a few years. -A classic design defies obsolescence. -Timeless -A classic design transcends (goes beyond) its original function. -Its unchanging (or minutely changed) design spans time

Practical function

-Practical function is mostly concerned with criteria related to the performance of the product, such as dimensions, weight, ease of use, etc. -These are quantifiable and as a result an objective evaluation can be carried out. (Quantitative data) -Anglepoise lamp design by George Carwardine (an UK engineer) in 1947 is an example where practical function is of a primary concern over form. -Carwardine was interested in an apparatus that could move easily through three planes but would be rigid when left free. It was many years before Carwardine worked on this concept as a versatile "arm" for focusing light on an object. Although Carwardine made no particular effort to make his lamp an object of beauty, its clean and functional form has established the Anglepoise lamp as a design classic.

Psychological function

-Psychological function is mostly concerned with the different emotional reactions or attachments people have with products such as mobile phones or their favourite piece of apparel. -These are subjective criteria. (qualitative data) -The Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, designed by Philip Starck in 1990 and produced by the Italian company Alessi, is an example of how the psychological function dictates the form of an object. The design was conceived on a napkin while Starck enjoyed a dish of squid in a restaurant and was squeezing lemon over it. Starck is quoted as saying that his juicer is less concerned with squeezing lemons than as a conversation starter. An example of Starck's lemon squeezer is on display in the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Status and culture

1) A classic design can indicate the status (social position) of an individual. -The Ferrari Spider. In 2010 only 1246 have been produced and sold. Sold to the likes of Eric Clapton. 2) This evokes a emotional reaction -Conveys a feeling of satisfaction -A feeling of owning a rarity -connections with the elite class

Dominant design

1) A dominant design contains those implicit features of a product that are recognized as essential by a majority of manufacturers and purchasers. -For example Coca-cola - the shape of the bottle, the font and red colour. 2) Classic designs that are also dominant designs in the -marketplace are difficult to change them. -because it is popular or omnipresencent those that have defied obsolescence and have been a round a long time tend to have emotional attachments -nostalgia -Dominant design has been around a while, if it changes not so recognisable and the company could risk profits 3) The "QWERTY" keyboard layout was specifically designed (to make people inefficient) to replace the flaws of the mechanical typewriter by changing the order of the letters on the keyboard. Now it is recognised as well used worldwide and preferred over the more logical and formal keyboard layouts. By the way, did you know that you can type faster one handed than on a QWERTY keyboard.

Dominant design

1) A dominant design contains those implicit features of a product that are recognized as essential by a majority of manufacturers and purchasers. -For example Coca-cola - the shape of the bottle, the font and red colour. 2) Classic designs that are also dominant designs in the marketplace are difficult to change them. because it is popular or omnipresencent those that have defied obsolescence and have been a round a long time tend to have emotional attachments nostalgia Dominant design has been around a while, if it changes not so recognisable and the company could risk profits 3) The "QWERTY" keyboard layout was specifically designed (to make people inefficient) to replace the flaws of the mechanical typewriter by changing the order of the letters on the keyboard. Now it is recognised as well used worldwide and preferred over the more logical and formal keyboard layouts. By the way, did you know that you can type faster one handed than on a QWERTY keyboard.

Mass production

1) Mass production contributes to a product reaching classic design status such as the VW shown below or the Bic Pen. -being mass-produced spanning decades leads to it being ever present or omnipresent. -Mass-production made cars affordable (due to economies of scale) so it sold well. -Mass-production made them easily available. -Its simple design (and mechanics) lent itself to mass production.

Characteristics of a Classic Design

Image Status&Culture Obsolescence Mass production Ubiquitous/omnipresence Dominant design

Image

Image makes a classic design instantly recognizable and provokes emotional reactions -representation of an external form -evokes emotional attachment -connections with different class structures, cultures, sub-cultures, a style or trend