Design History

While specific inventions and new technologies are, without question, key factors in completing any history of design, we must consider as well the social, economic, political and philosophical underpinnings and the results of innovations. The designer’s role in resolving problems is certainly important.In your essay, you are asked to discuss briefly each of the following five designers: Henry Ford, Isaac Singer, Peter Behrens, James Dyson, and Shigeru Ban. Identify each designer in terms of his historical frame, chronological moment, and national affiliation. For each designer, focus upon and discuss one of his major innovations in terms of the social, the political (if applicable), the economic, and the philosophical. In other words, your essay should contextualize historically the significance of each designer and the innovation for which each is credited.
1. The Organization of the Exam Essay
Please include a brief introductory paragraph that sets out the way in which you will proceed with your discussion in the essay.
The body of your essay will include your discussions of the designers and innovations (as indicated above).
Conclude your discussion with a brief summary paragraph regarding innovation and design.