Topic 6

==6.1 Characteristics of Classic Design==

Classic design - is not simply defined by how well it functions or its impact. Classic designs can be recognized as from their design movement/era. Yet, originality— whether it is evolutionary or revolutionary—seems to be the trait that makes a product “timeless”.The iconic status of classic designs is often attributed to them being ‘breakthrough products’.

Design Classic – A product that serves as a standard of its time, that has been manufactured industrially and has timeless appeal.

Characteristics of a Classic Design

• Image - Within the context of classic design, image relates to the instantly recognizable aesthetics of a particular product. For example, the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle, or the shape of a Volkswagen Beetle motor car.
• Status - Products considered as classic designs often increase in value and can project a certain status as they become more desirable. The ownership of a classic design can increase the perceived status of an individual.
• Culture - In the context of classic design, culture plays an important part. They often reflect cultural influences and mark transition points within a particular culture. The culture of concern may be national, religious or a sub-culture, such as a particular youth culture or movement.
• Obsolescence -This is the stage in a product life cycle where the product is no longer needed even though it functions as well as it did when first manufactured. Classic designs tend to transcend obsolescence and become desired objects long after they have ceased to be manufactured.
• Mass production - Mass production contributes to a product reaching classic design status such as the VW shown below or the Bic Pen.

Omnipresence – In the context of classic design, a product that is omnipresent has existed and been in circulation for a long time.

Ubiquitous – In the context of classic design, a product that is ubiquitous is one that can be found almost everywhere. For example, a mobile phone.

Dominant Design - The design contains those implicit features of a product that are recognized as essential by a majority of manufacturers and purchasers.

==6.2 Classic Design Function and Form==

Form – Also considered as the three-dimensional space that a product takes up, in the context of classic design, form relates to the shape of a product and the aesthetic qualities that the shape gives.

Function – Products can be considered classic designs based on how well they fulfil the task that they have been designed for.

Practical function - is mostly concerned with criteria related to the performance of the product, such as dimensions, weight, ease of use, etc.

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.

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

Retro-Styling - A design that uses the form and decoration from a particular period of time and/or style.