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Notes from Week 3, Economics VS Design Lecture

-Functional design may be seen as good for you rather than aesthetics which can be seen as artistic. But does aesthetic sound more expensive?

-In 1920s and 30s the art deco movement seems to develop in certain countries, countries of economic growth

-We often say we live in a global world, does this make it harder to be fresh

-Modern capitalism emerges in Northern Europe. The idea of freedom of labour not being tied to aristocracies, development of trade, freedom of grounds and people (movement)

-Max Webers book, 'The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism' 1904, says there is a link to religion. In developing in Protestant countries his theory says about the Bible having influence

-Piggly Wiggly store 1916, founded it was the first supermarket in the USA. It made a profound shift in how we buy and are given choice. Packaging becomes more important as it becomes a form as advertising and sways choice



-Comics- Superman became popular in the 1930s. There was a need for escapism in the depression and a search for heroes

-In present times, will current the issues bring around a downturn? How will this affect our own design?

- The impacts of depression, Clarice Cliff in the 1930s work for Staffordshire firm called Wilkinsons. Cliffs new great designs sold very well, meaning that Wilkinson survived when other companies did not. The designs were very different to anything else on the market

-Styling to generate sales. In 1947, 60% of American households had a car, new sleek designs veered away from the box car design of the past

- Raymond Loewy 1893 to 1986 restyled a lot of products for the American market

-Raymond Larry 1936 Designed a new freezer which was built in obsolescence. It was designed to eventually break. Planned obsolescence (speeds up the process of purchase through fashion choices)

- People want to be treated as individuals, for example Carnaby Street. In the 10960s, John Stephen owned many shops on Carnaby Street yet each catered for different needs of the consumer. He tricked consumers into thinking they had choice and individualism, each different in style

- Lifestyle shop in caters for individuals and feels focuses on their choice, but ironically may be owned by the same person

- Learning from Las Vegas book. The celebration of mass culture and advertising (kitsch) The acceptance of our capitalist culture, Robert Venturi also designed buildings and played with historical elements such as upside-down columns

-Sarah Fanellis work uses found objects, there is a question to say is that then her work?

-The Simpsons there are a lot of political, film and cultural references such as Citizen Kane

-Post modern behaviour- Drawing from others, a broad range of sources, borrowing and returning of things which brings up discussions of authorship

-Wonderbra ambiguous meaning the 1990s advertising. Does the ambiguity then make you invest more time in the product or film etc?

-In some ways postmodern behaviour reflects wealth and economy but why do we decide to consume more anyway?

-Consumer revolution reflects the industrial revolution. If you can mass-produce you can sell cheaper products. You develop sophisticated marketing and advertising to support this process, but what causes the demand in the first place?

-17th and 18th century- There was an influx of people owning 'stuff' Why did we want to own more?

-Credit card growth started in America gives people more money, but is it solely down to having money?

- The fear after 9/11. The Mayor of New York said to, please go out and shop. American society is so reliant on consumerism and spending money

-Video games- There is a wider impact good for younger generations mental health

-The news shows China will take over the USA. China grows three times faster than the USA. What kind of impact will China have, looking at how the USA has impacted the last hundred years as a superpower?

-The Olympics- Looking at Chinese stadiums in 2008 and impactful designs and comparing these to London's designs in 2012. 2012 was not as impactful, is that a reflection on the wealth and development of the country?

-Economic growth versus our planet

- 90s Adbusters, more impactful now as we are more aware of the issues they raise. Adbusters takes comment and comedy on big brands such as Calvin Klein. The CK obsession advert shows psychology of how brands become recognisably global



- Cragside in Northumberland is a beautiful building and shows huge wealth of Lord Armstrong but this wealth was made from arms

- Glenn Adamson book, 'Fewer, better things' questions do we need to try and evolve?


-How is the MA being influenced by our economy?

How will eastern markets and the growth of the Chinese economy effect us as consumers?


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