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Industrial Design & Social Equality

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Jawwad Zaidi
Jawwad Zaidi

The document analyzes a paper about the connections between industrial design, social equality, and different economic systems. It discusses the views of William Morris and Herbert Read that critique consumerism and advocate for socialism. The author claims that achieving social equality and excellence in design are oxymoronic goals, as a planned, socialist economy stifles competition and representational pressures that drive innovation in a capitalist system. While socialism aims for egalitarianism, it results in monotony and an inferior design culture compared to market-driven societies where private ownership and social distinction spur competition and meeting user demands. In conclusion, the author argues that a balance of social inequality and a market economy, not complete social equality and a planned economy, tends to cult

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Industrial Design & Social Equality An analysis of a paper by Jan Michl Den stora nordiska utst?llningen i K?penhamn 1888 1989 by Jawwad Zaidi
Author Jan Michl, Professor ¨C design theory, history ? Oslo School of Architecture & Design, Institute of Form, Theory and History, Norway ? Gj?vik University College
Keywords
? Addresses questions arising on connections between design and taste, social status, prestige or market. ? Can a modern industrialized society (Socialist) expect to produce an industrial design culture higher than market-oriented societies (Capitalist)? (when aiming to achieve social equality) Intro
? Correlation of Copenhagen Exhibition to critique of design intent in the rise of consumerism by William Morris: ¡° For I do declare that any other state of society but communism is grievous and disgraceful to all belonging to it¡± -William Morris, 1893 ? ¡°Unless the present economic system is abolished, its roots eradicated and all its intricate branches lopped, the first condition for a democratic alternative to the fake culture of our present civilization are not satisfied.¡± ? -Herbert Read , 1941
¡°¡­..forms could, and should be, produced independently of the tastes of any social class or group.¡± (p.67) ? Such forms would be based on objective factors and equally accessible to all, regardless of their background. ? Would advance the cause of social equality (egalitarianism) ? Oxymoron: Such a society was both the aim and pre-condition of Functionalism Functionalism (Form follows function):
? Rethinking of Socialist approach in the 1980s ? Author claims that Social Equality and Excellence in Design cannot co- exist ? Marxist ¨CLeninist view: oAbolishment of private ownership will lead to a more creativity oMarket mechanisms determined by central planning oWastefulness of market economy can be avoided BUT ? This has not materialized despite the people being talented and having a creative arts history
? Success of Western Design in quality and popularity ? Abolishment of private enterprise and market mechanisms diminishes the industrial capacity of a society ? Current Industrial Design Culture around us is a result of competition, not egalitarianism.
? Utilitarian / Functional is not sufficient ? Belongings represent the owner ? Representational Pressure: We want to own things that represent us ? The higher the social status, the greater the pressure ? This pressure extends to businesses: Corporate Identity, logos etc. ? Tolerance of ¡®ugly¡¯ products when owned commonly Capitalist View:
Capitalist ? Private ownership ? Exclusivity-Luxury ? Social Distinction ? Competition ? Meets user-demands Socialist ? Public ownership ? Equality ? Monotony ? Central Planning ? Indifferent
? Designer alone cannot guarantee design excellence ? When market mechanisms are blocked, so is Industrial Design culture Social Inequality + Market Economy = ? Design culture Social equality + Planned Economy = ? Design culture Conclusions
Luxury vs. Sustainability To what extent does luxury redefine itself with the onset of growing consumer power? Will the search for sustainable solutions and new production technology drive us to exercise greater social equality in terms of control of excessive over-production? Conclusions
Keywords Socialisms, Communism, History of Industrial Design, Commerce, Commercial, William Morris, Market economy, Social-Equality, Social Status, Design Theory, and Social-Exclusion and Social Inequalities Prestige, Social- Distinction Representational-Pressure
ID 503 - RESEARCH METHODS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FALL SEMESTER 2013-2014 Jawwad Zaidi

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Industrial Design & Social Equality

  • 1. Industrial Design & Social Equality An analysis of a paper by Jan Michl Den stora nordiska utst?llningen i K?penhamn 1888 1989 by Jawwad Zaidi
  • 2. Author Jan Michl, Professor ¨C design theory, history ? Oslo School of Architecture & Design, Institute of Form, Theory and History, Norway ? Gj?vik University College
  • 4. ? Addresses questions arising on connections between design and taste, social status, prestige or market. ? Can a modern industrialized society (Socialist) expect to produce an industrial design culture higher than market-oriented societies (Capitalist)? (when aiming to achieve social equality) Intro
  • 5. ? Correlation of Copenhagen Exhibition to critique of design intent in the rise of consumerism by William Morris: ¡° For I do declare that any other state of society but communism is grievous and disgraceful to all belonging to it¡± -William Morris, 1893 ? ¡°Unless the present economic system is abolished, its roots eradicated and all its intricate branches lopped, the first condition for a democratic alternative to the fake culture of our present civilization are not satisfied.¡± ? -Herbert Read , 1941
  • 6. ¡°¡­..forms could, and should be, produced independently of the tastes of any social class or group.¡± (p.67) ? Such forms would be based on objective factors and equally accessible to all, regardless of their background. ? Would advance the cause of social equality (egalitarianism) ? Oxymoron: Such a society was both the aim and pre-condition of Functionalism Functionalism (Form follows function):
  • 7. ? Rethinking of Socialist approach in the 1980s ? Author claims that Social Equality and Excellence in Design cannot co- exist ? Marxist ¨CLeninist view: oAbolishment of private ownership will lead to a more creativity oMarket mechanisms determined by central planning oWastefulness of market economy can be avoided BUT ? This has not materialized despite the people being talented and having a creative arts history
  • 8. ? Success of Western Design in quality and popularity ? Abolishment of private enterprise and market mechanisms diminishes the industrial capacity of a society ? Current Industrial Design Culture around us is a result of competition, not egalitarianism.
  • 9. ? Utilitarian / Functional is not sufficient ? Belongings represent the owner ? Representational Pressure: We want to own things that represent us ? The higher the social status, the greater the pressure ? This pressure extends to businesses: Corporate Identity, logos etc. ? Tolerance of ¡®ugly¡¯ products when owned commonly Capitalist View:
  • 10. Capitalist ? Private ownership ? Exclusivity-Luxury ? Social Distinction ? Competition ? Meets user-demands Socialist ? Public ownership ? Equality ? Monotony ? Central Planning ? Indifferent
  • 11. ? Designer alone cannot guarantee design excellence ? When market mechanisms are blocked, so is Industrial Design culture Social Inequality + Market Economy = ? Design culture Social equality + Planned Economy = ? Design culture Conclusions
  • 12. Luxury vs. Sustainability To what extent does luxury redefine itself with the onset of growing consumer power? Will the search for sustainable solutions and new production technology drive us to exercise greater social equality in terms of control of excessive over-production? Conclusions
  • 13. Keywords Socialisms, Communism, History of Industrial Design, Commerce, Commercial, William Morris, Market economy, Social-Equality, Social Status, Design Theory, and Social-Exclusion and Social Inequalities Prestige, Social- Distinction Representational-Pressure
  • 14. ID 503 - RESEARCH METHODS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FALL SEMESTER 2013-2014 Jawwad Zaidi