6.1 Characteristics of classic design
A design classic is an industrially manufactured object with timeless appeal. It serves as a standard of its time and remains relevant to future generations and in this way has a lasting impact on society. The design resists the vagaries of taste and fashion and once established as a “classic” it gradually acquires further value. Design classics are usually innovative in their use of material and often unite technological advances with beautiful design, for example, Apple products such as the iPod, the Coca-Cola® bottle and soft drink cans. Classic designs can emerge from any sector of the market.
Characteristics of classic design
A design classic is instantly recognizable and provokes a variety of different emotional reactions in people, such as nostalgia or innovation.
Often referred to as “iconic”, the longevity of classic designs suggests quality and the continued demand for such products is not dependent on heavy marketing or advertising, although this often takes place to reinforce the status and remind new generations of consumers of the intrinsic value of the classic design. The design is often widely imitated, usually with cheaper versions, so this reinforces the status of the original design and its “pioneering” concept.
The classic design may no longer be needed as a functional object or it may become technologically obsolete. However, it may still sell very small numbers although it may no longer be viable to produce it commercially. In such circumstances the resale value of existing products increases enormously as the number of products available lessens over time. Such products become very collectable and have investment value, for example, classic cars. Other products may not intrinsically be worth much money but are valuable to certain owners or collectors, such as toys that have been used and are in poor condition.
For many centuries prior to the Industrial Revolution, “classic” evoked thoughts of artistry and craft skills, for example, classical architecture and furniture. The advent of mass production and “designing for the masses” often meant a reduction in quality of products and poor design. However, once mass production techniques became more established some designers embraced the opportunities offered by the new techniques and materials as a way of providing people with well-designed products at an affordable price due to the cost-effectiveness of production. No longer was classic design the preserve of the elite in society.
Design classics can reflect cultural influences. The culture concerned may be national or religious or it may concern a sub-culture such as a particular youth culture.
A classic design often has a constant presence, or omnipresence, in a rapidly changing context.
Classic designs that have become dominant in the marketplace are difficult for designers to change them.
A design classic is instantly recognizable and provokes a variety of different emotional reactions in people, such as nostalgia or innovation.
Often referred to as “iconic”, the longevity of classic designs suggests quality and the continued demand for such products is not dependent on heavy marketing or advertising, although this often takes place to reinforce the status and remind new generations of consumers of the intrinsic value of the classic design. The design is often widely imitated, usually with cheaper versions, so this reinforces the status of the original design and its “pioneering” concept.
The classic design may no longer be needed as a functional object or it may become technologically obsolete. However, it may still sell very small numbers although it may no longer be viable to produce it commercially. In such circumstances the resale value of existing products increases enormously as the number of products available lessens over time. Such products become very collectable and have investment value, for example, classic cars. Other products may not intrinsically be worth much money but are valuable to certain owners or collectors, such as toys that have been used and are in poor condition.
For many centuries prior to the Industrial Revolution, “classic” evoked thoughts of artistry and craft skills, for example, classical architecture and furniture. The advent of mass production and “designing for the masses” often meant a reduction in quality of products and poor design. However, once mass production techniques became more established some designers embraced the opportunities offered by the new techniques and materials as a way of providing people with well-designed products at an affordable price due to the cost-effectiveness of production. No longer was classic design the preserve of the elite in society.
Design classics can reflect cultural influences. The culture concerned may be national or religious or it may concern a sub-culture such as a particular youth culture.
A classic design often has a constant presence, or omnipresence, in a rapidly changing context.
Classic designs that have become dominant in the marketplace are difficult for designers to change them.