The Genius of Design Q & A

Who is William Morris?

William Morris was an English textile designer. He was an influential artist who was part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris was against the expense made on peoples jobs by the industrial revolution. He believed in the quality of hand made products over the mass produced ones. Morris spent his time creating hand made textiles. He came across the problem of cost. The price of his unique pieces was far more expensive than that of the mass produced pieces. 

What is the Art and crafts movement and why did it come into existence during the Industrial Revolution?

(1860-1910) The Arts and Crafts movement was an international design movement which was against the industrialization. People of this movement believed that arts and crafts held a uniqueness that could not be accomplished with products that were mass produced. 

When was the Industrial Revolution and why is it significant to design?

(1760-1840) The Industrial Revolution allowed for the mass production of products. This meant that products were cheaper, the cost of labour was cheaper and designs could be produced in large quantities. 

What is meant by the division of labour?

The division of labour refers to a 'production line' one person does each step in a production process. 

What is meant by the American system?

The American System is a system that involves standardized, uniform design that is mass produced. It involves usually unskilled workers operating the machinery to make a product.

What impact did  J Wedgwood have on design?

J Wedgwood exploited the new machine made production methods of the industrial revolution.

Why did the Model T Ford fail?

The Model T Ford was designed to be mass produced. The process of it's manufacture meant that the design could not be altered. But the consumer wanted more in regards to upgrades, colour, shape, performance. The manufacturing process needed to be changed in order for the car to meet the needs of the consumer.

What does mass customization mean?

Mass customization replaces mass production. With new technology giving designers more accessibility to create new and improved designs at a smaller cost. It means that we will no longer have another 'Model T' failure situation.