Plugged In: Sparking a Domestic Revolution 1950–2020

Page 1

20 – 29th April 2020

Plugged In Sparking a Domestic Revolution 1950 – 2020




Contents 01


Function

Form

What is good design?

3–8

Initiating American Superpower

9–20

Establishing German Excellence

21–32

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

33–52

Beauty


What is good design?

What is goo design

03


Function

Form

t od n? Beauty


05

What is good design?

MOMA Good Design Exhibition 2019


Function

Form

The ‘Good Design’ movement was and remains associated with the production of items that are both aesthetically pleasing and fulfil a moral function. The term ‘good design’ was an umbrella statement in the 1950s that encompassed various different design styles and trends from furniture to technology. While cross-nationally diverse you can find fundamental elements that many products had in common. Designers sought out minimal, clean and straightforward design given that function, quality and quantity held supremacy in the consumer economy. It was not based on how visually captivating the design was or how many patterns could be placed on it, instead it was stripped down and raw. Goods were designed with integrity, aimed at improving life for its consumers. Designers saw their creations as pure interpretations of what was needed in that space and time. Indeed, ‘Good Design’ has transcended time as these core elements are synonymous with the consumer products produced today.

Beauty


07

What is good design?

Sony Television (TX8-301). 1959.


Function

Form

Fuction Straightforward and easy to use. Little to no buttons. Fast and efficent in regards to time and speed. Morally made with the consumer in mind and centered around aiding in their everday life.

Form Elegant and simplistic in shape. Easy to store and built for efficiency. A product or device that is accessible to everyone with its apperance being uncomplicated and pleasing to the eye. Beauty Effortless and authentic aesthetics. A design that can sit on a countertop or within the household that can be admired for its qualities. Mostly compact and minimalist in both colour and form.

Beauty


Initiating America Supwepower

Initiat Americ Superp

09


Function

Form

ting can power Beauty


Initiating America Supwepower

Times Square New York 1953

11


Function

Form

As a superpower Americas production industry was efficient, effective and innovative. A culture of consumerism further propelled their flourishing post-war (1950’s) economy. From architecture and technology all the way to furniture, America was mass producing commodities. Trading in its image of war torn American for a new shiny utopia. The United States centred their industry around creating fast, assistive, and high quality products that would make the life of its citizens simple and blissful. These ideals where employed through the use of electronics. “Electric appliances allowed housewives to do chores more quickly and (let consumers) have more time for leisure activities”. Objects were built with two purposes in mind, one being to cut down the labour and energy being used carrying out an everyday chore and two the experience and effortlessness in which it offered. Brands such as Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana were becoming household names, producing washing machines, vacuums, and irons. These items were designed with the intention of long-term functionality almost every home in America had a ‘forever’ machine.

Beauty


Initiating America Supwepower

SunBeam mix master

13


Function

Form

Waring blender

GE swivel vacuum cleaner

GE Alarm Clock

Beauty


15

Initiating America Supwepower

By 2020 America has expanded their design and has created pieces that stand out in their fields. Minimising size and increasing its effiency and beauty.

Artsian Siphon Coffee Maker 5KCM0812

Kitchen Aid classic 5 Speed Hand Mixer 5KHM5110

Clear glass machine, light and portable. Easily storable and simiple to clean.

White simple compact hand held machine. Metal interchangable mixers making cleaing easy.


Function

Form

Kenmore Elite 41983 5.2 cu ft. Smart Front Load Washer w/ Accela Wash

Kenmore CJUBL2 Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Modern machine with multiple settings and exposed glass door. Smart-phone compatible technology for control on the go.

Strong suction collects dirt from almost every surface. With LED headlight for visible access to those hard to see places.

Beauty


$$

“ Manipula cheapest into new luxuries”


$$

ate the t of goods w modern ” Sparke, Penny. An Introduction To Design And Culture: 1900 To The Present.


19

Initiating America Supwepower

By 2020 America has expanded their design sector and has created pieces that stand out in their fields. Minimising size and increasing its effiency and beauty.

Artisan fast centrifugal juicer 5kvj0333

Whirlpool heat pump tumble dryer: freestanding, 9kg

Transparent plastic casing with a bold red accent. Equipped with handle for easy use.

Clean, Simple and Functional. Dryer with large air vent of air circulation and adjustable settings.


Function

Form

Artisan cook processor 5kcf0104

Kenmore 51833 26.1 cu. ft. Sideby-Side Refrigerator with Grab-N-Go Door

Large and sturdy Food Processer made with detachable pot feature and clear settings.

A Refridgerator with plenty of space. With ice and water dispenser as well as condiments storage. Easy to clean.

Beauty


Establishing German Excellene

Establ Germa Excelle

21


Function

Form

lishing an ence Beauty


Establishing German Excellene

Daimler Building 1950’s

23


Function

Form

Throughout history Germany has been at the forefront of engineering and technical excellence and by the 1950’s they entered into a new phase of innovation. Post-war they began to produce household appliances and electronics that would give ease and assitance to the public specifically housewives. Germany was intent on maintaining their own voice and cultural impact on their products. Consequently, German goods can be seen as a blend of American inspiration with core of German ideals. Brands that were at the forefront of household technology design were AEG, Braun, Siemens and most importantly Bosch. They focussed mainly on the standerd of prouduction and the simplicity of the product. Prioritising appearance, time reducing technology, and easy to clean components.

Beauty


25

Establishing German Excellene

Waffle iron made with aluminum body and fireclay brick.


Function

Form

Miele Washing Machine 155/1

ZĂźndapp Sewing Machine

ESGE Mixer and Masher

Beauty


27

Establishing German Excellene

By 2020 Germany has produced Multi-Award winning designs with worldwide presitge.

Tassimo Hot drinks machine HAPPY

Rowenta Focus Iron 3 DW5120+25+27+29

Colourful Machine that will brighten up your kitchen. Simple to use. Just place pod into slot and brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Sleekly designed Iron with adjustable setting for any garment. Long cable perfect for any room.


Function

Form

Rowenta Air Force Hoover Flex 560

Bosch MultiTalent Mixer 3 800 W Black, Brushed stainless steel MCM3501MGB

Cordless hoover with multiple attachments. Bendable for those hard to reach places. Strong brisles for all types of dirt.

A beautiful combination of metal and glass. This blender is effective and pretty. Multiple attachments for all types of food.Detachable heads for easy storage and cleaning.

Beauty


“ Technical e tempered implement new techn


excellence by gradual tation of nologiesâ€? Stokes, Raymond G. Technology and the West German Wirtschaftswunder.Â


31

Establishing German Excellene

By 2020 Germany has produced Multi-Award winning designs with worldwide presitge.

BOSCH - Toaster Red TAT7S44GB

Rowenta smart forcetm cyclonic rr8037 wh

Silver Toaster with a pop of red. Four slots with five toasting settings. Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Small yet efficient. Self suffiecent with motion cenors to hoover up any dirt in its path.


Function

Form

BOSCH Multicooker Silver MUC88B68GB

Hand blender ErgoMixx Style 750 W MSM6S90BGBz

Sleek black and grey design. A strong sealed lid equipped with handle to prevent burns. Keeps in the heat and cook food faster.

Stainless steel mixer with eight seperate attachments for any food preparation. Easy to clean and perfect for tidy storage.

Beauty


Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

Perfec ‘Made Japan’

33


Function

Form

cting in ’ Beauty


35

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

Wako Clock Tower Bulding in Ginza, Tokyo Japan - 1950


Function

Form

In the 1950’s Japan experienced a Revolution. Despite devastation following the war Japan sought help and guidance from America on how to rebuild and start producing its own goods. This connection led to the success and growth of Japans prosperous economy. Through the “Post-war Americanisation of Japan” the Japanese were able to rid themselves of the poorly designed and cheaply manufactured “Made in Japan” connotation and became one of the leading exporters worldwide. Within a few years Japanese electronic companies were known globally and Japan “accounted for around 10 per cent of the world’s economic activity”.

Beauty


Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

Sony solid state Televison

37


Function

Form

Toshiba electronic Rice Cooker ER-4.

Sony TC 101 Recorder

Sony TR-55 Transistor Radio

Beauty


39

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

By 2020 Japan has made a name for itself and has mass produced appliances used globally.

Front Loading Washer Dryer [Hitachi Front Loading Washer Dryer

Water oven [water oven “HEALSIO” AX-XW600]

Simplistic Dryer with easy settings and a large capacity for clothing.

Compact oven in a bold red colour. Multiple settings for all cooking needs.


Function

Form

Cooking appliances [STAN. by ZOJIRUSHI]

Garment Steamer [Panasonic Garment Steamer NI-FS750]

Functional and easy to use. Appliances that boils and warms water.

Buildt-in handle for easy and effective use. Long cord for any distance.

Beauty


“ Releasin housewi the vigil stove”


ng ives from of the Francks, Penelope, and Janet E Hunter. The Historical Consumer.


43

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

By 2020 Japan has made a name for itself and has mass produced appliances used globally.

Multi cooker [Panasonic Multi cooker SR-G50P1]

Cordless stick cleaner [Panasonic cordless handy stick cleaner MC-SBU1F]

Sleek black Cooker. Perfect for easy and fast use.

Cleaner with long handle for access to the most difficult places. Made with hand strap for comfort.


Function

Form

Wireless Speaker System [Panasonic SC-RB5] fields.

Electric Kettle [De’Longhi Icona Collenction]

Light and portable speaker. Bluetooth supported for easy use.

Metal Kettle with a shiny red exterior and black accents. Transparent gauge for water level.

Beauty


45

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

IH Cooking Heater [Hitachi MSeries]


Function

Form

IH Cooker [Panasonic IH Daily Hot Plate KZCX1]

Coffee Roasting Service [Panasonic The Roast AE-NR01]

Beauty


47

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

Good design exhibition in Tokyo Japan


Function

Form

In 1957 the G-Mark Awards were founded in Japan. This was a platform for companies to showcase their designs and improve the overall standards of what was being produced within Japan. Since then it has become a worldwide event where different types of designers and creators can enter their products and gain recognition. With the ideals of ‘discover, share, innovation’ they have become the voice for good design and collaberated with many countires such as Denmark, and Thailand.

Beauty


49

Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’

‘Safe cast’ a Radiation Sensor


Function

Form

Shibuya Hikarie building in Tokyo

Boxes lift and gives simple use of space for objects.

Beauty


Perfecting ‘Made in Japan’ Smart House, Tokyo Japan

51


Function

Form

The connection between Good Design and Technology has lead to a surge in the creation of remarkable and ultra-modern products. With the use of digital screens and interactive elements technology has made its way into almost every home across the world. Today we see minimal and sleek appliances which carry out tasks effortlessly. Systems such as Google, Alexa and Siri let customers no longer have to be present to perform the chores. Kitchens and households have become intelligant and almost self-sufficent. It is clear to see that from the 1950’s to 2020 the Domestic revolution has truly evolved and will continue as our use and knowledge of technology grows.

Beauty




55 Bertoldi, Paolo, Andrea Ricci, Boudewijn Huenges Wajer. Energy Efficiency In Household Appliances. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 1999.

Bowden, Sue, and Avner Offer. Household Appliances and the Use of Time: The United States and Britain Since the 1920s. The Economic History Review, vol. 47, no. 4,1994.

Bürdek, Bernhard E. Design. Birkhäuser, 2005.

Fiell, Charlotte, and Peter Fiell. The Story Of Design. Carlton Publishing Group, 2018.

Fine, Ben. Household Appliances and the Use of Time: The United States and Britain Since the 1920s: A Comment. The Economic History Review, vol. 52, no. 3, 1999.

Francks, Penelope, and Janet E Hunter. The Historical Consumer. 2012.

Greenhalgh, Paul. Introduction To Modernism In Design. 1990.

Harsch, Donna. Journal of Social History, vol. 35, no. 3, 2002.

Hiesinger, Kathryn. Landmarks Of Twentieth Century Design. Abbeville Press, 1993

Bibliography

Kikuchi, Yuko. Design Histories and Design Studies in East Asia: Part 1. Journal of Design History, vol. 24, no. 3, 2011. Kipping, Matthias, Kudo, Akira, Schröter. Harm G. German And Japanese Business In The Boom Years. Routledge, 2004. Lindop, Edmund, and Sarah De Capua. America in the 1950’s. Twenty-First Century Books, 2010.


Function

Form

Northrup, Cynthia Clark. The American Economy. ABC-CLIO, 2003.

Smith, Martyn David. Mass Media, Consumerism And National Identity In Postwar Japan. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018.

Sparke, Penny. An Introduction To Design And Culture: 1900 To The Present. 4th ed., Routledge, 2019.

Sparke, Penny. Japanese Design. Joseph,1987.

Stokes, Raymond G. Technology and the West German Wirtschaftswunder. Technology and Culture, vol. 32, no. 1, 1991.

Woodham, Johnathon. Design Since 1945. Journal Of Design History, vol 6, no. 4, 1993.

Boschmixers. 2019, www.boschmixers.com/blog/history-of-the-bosch-stand-mixer/.

IH Jar Rice Cooker: The Special Duty-Free Website Toshiba Living Doors. Toshiba-Lifestyle. Co.Jp, 2019. www.toshiba-lifestyle.co.jp/living/tourist/en/ricecooker.html.

Our History | Kenmore. Kenmore, 2019. www.kenmore.com/history/.

The Value Of Good Design. The Museum Of Modern Art, 2019, www.moma.org/calendar/ exhibitions/5032.

What Was Good Design? Moma’s Message, 1944–56. The Museum Of Modern Art, 2019, www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/957?locale=en).

Beauty


57 MOMA Good design Exhibition. 2019. www.moma.org/calendar exhibitions/5032?installation_image_index=0

Sony Television (TX8-301). 1959. www.azuremagazine.com/wp-content/ uploads/2019/03/469_1997-2000x1951.jpg

SunBeam mix master. www.images.collection.cooperhewitt.org/42540_ e413161f584d2de8_b.jpg

Bosch Stand Mixer. 1952. www.boschmixers.com/blog/history-of-the-bosch-standmixer/.

Toshiba Automatic electronic rice cooker ER-4. 1955. www.toshiba-lifestyle.co.jp/ living/tourist/en/special/index_j.htm.

Times Square, New York 1953. vintagenewsdaily.com/wp-content/ uploads/2017/12/2.bp_.blogspot.comStreetScenesofNewYork-e9fe3c4f4958082a7b d89648fb19e58bf8467eca.jpg

SunBeam mix master. www.images.collection.cooperhewitt.org/42540_ e413161f584d2de8_b.jpg

Waring blender, www.i.pinimg.com/564x/13/76/

List of Plates

d4/1376d420001ac3967c87971f3cb09ba7.jpg

GE swivel vacuum cleaner, www.i.pinimg.com/564x/f9/91/92/ f99192a9cd4d64328e236a03a24f965f.jpg


Function

Form

GE Alarm Clock. www.i.pinimg.com/564x/89/f6/b4/89f6b4f973092071fb4659974236 d736.jpg

Artsian Siphon Coffee Maker 5KCM0812. www.g-mark.org/award/

Kitchen Aid classic 5 Speed Hand Mixer 5KHM5110. www.g-mark.org/award/

Kenmore Elite 41983 5.2 cu ft.Smart Front Load Washer w/Accela Wash. www.g-mark.org/ award/

Kenmore CJUBL2 Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. www.g-mark.org/award/

Artisan fast centrifugal juicer 5kvj0333, www.g-mark.org/award/

Whirlpool heat pump tumble dryer: freestanding, 9kg, www.g-mark.org/award/

Artisan cook processor 5kcf0104, www.g-mark.org/award/

Kenmore 51833 26.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Grab-N-Go Door, www.g-mark. org/award/

Daimler Building 1950’s. www.thevintagenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ Everyday-Life-in-West-Germany-in-the-early-1950s-8.jpg

Waffle iron made with aluminum body and fireclay brick, www.artsandculture.google.com/ exhibit/favorite-technologies-of-the-1950s/gQuaEtll

Beauty


59 Miele Washing Machine 155/1. www.artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/favoritetechnologies-of-the-1950s/gQuaEtll

Zündapp sewing machine Miele model A vacuum cleaner ESGE mixer and masher, www.artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/favorite-technologies-of-the-1950s/gQuaEtll

ESGE mixer and masher. www.artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/favorite-technologiesof-the-1950s/gQuaEtll

Tassimo Hot drinks machine HAPPY. www.g-mark.org/award/

Rowenta Focus Iron 3 DW5120+25+27+29. www.rowenta.com

Rowenta Air Force Hoover Flex 560. www.rowenta.com

Bosch MultiTalent Mixer 3 800 W Black, Brushed stainless steel MCM3501MGB, www.g-mark.org/award/

BOSCH - Toaster Red TAT7S44GB. www.bosch-home.ie

Rowenta smart forcetm cyclonic rr8037 wh. www.rowenta.com

List of Plates

BOSCH MulticookerSilver MUC88B68GB, www.bosch-home.ie

Hand blender ErgoMixx Style 750 W MSM6S90BGBz, www.g-mark.org/award/

Wako Clock Tower Building in Ginza, Tokyo Japan. 1950. www.live.staticflickr. com/2235/2484276955_b994b2b577_b.jpg


Function

Form

Sony solid state Televison. www.azuremagazine.com/wp-content/ uploads/2019/03/469_1997-2000x1951.jpg

Sony TC 101 Recorder. www.i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XGwAAOSwIABcKRkG/s-l1600.jpg

Sony TR-55 Transistor Radio. www.home.bt.com/images/how-the-transistor-radio-changed-theworld-136428638451302601-180731190310.jpg

Front Loading Washer Dryer [Hitachi Front Loading Washer Dryer], www.g-mark.org/award/

Water Oven [water oven “HEALSIO” AX-XW600]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Cooking appliances [STAN. by ZOJIRUSHI]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Garment Steamer [Panasonic Garment Steamer NI-FS750]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Multi cooker [Panasonic Multi cooker SR-G50P1]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Cordless stick cleaner [Panasonic cordless handy stick cleaner MC-SBU1F]. www.g-mark.org/ award/

Wireless Speaker System [Panasonic SC-RB5]fields. www.g-mark.org/award/

Electric Kettle [De’Longhi Icona Collenction]. www.images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/ images/I/511vfdGz1WL._AC_SX522_.jpg

IH Cooking Heater [Hitachi MSeries]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Beauty


61 IH Cooker [Panasonic IH Daily Hot Plate KZ-CX1]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Coffee Roasting Service [Panasonic The Roast AE-NR01]. www.g-mark.org/award/

Good design exhibition in Tokyo Japan. www.designboom.com/design/id-inc-gooddesign-g-mark-cardboard-exhibition-12-15-2016/

‘Safe Cast’ A radiation Sensor. www.designboom.com/design/id-inc-good-design-gmark-cardboard-exhibition-12-15-2016/

Shibuya Hikarie building in Tokyo. www.designboom.com/design/id-inc-good-design-gmark-cardboard-exhibition-12-15-2016/

Boxes and exhibition. www.designboom.com/design/id-inc-good-design-g-markcardboard-exhibition-12-15-2016/

Smart house, Toky Japan, ohttps://www.techinasia.com/mitsubishi-electric-smart-home-

List of Plates

tour


Function

Form

Beauty




The connection between ‘Good Design’ and Technology has lead to a surge in the creation of remarkable and ultra-modern products. With the use of digital screens and interactive elements technology has made its way into almost every home across the world. From the creations of companies such as, Bosch, Toschiba and Kenmore during the 1950’s Household appliances have flourished and continue to advance with the ever expanded availibitlity of technology. Today we see minimal and sleek appliances which carry out tasks effortlessly. It is clear to see that from the 1950’s to 2020 the domestic revolution has truly evolved.


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