Ever think about how much our desires actually drive the look and feel of, well, everything? I was reading about the history of product design, and it’s wild to see how consumer preferences slowly but surely chipped away at pure artistic expression, leading to the products we use daily.
Take, for exmaple, early automobiles. Initially,they were pretty much sculptures on wheels – form over function,reflecting the designers’ artistic visions. But as more people started buying them, practicality became king. Consumers wanted reliability,comfort,and affordability. Suddenly,chrome flourishes were replaced with easier-to-manufacture parts,and streamlined bodies prioritized fuel efficiency over artistic flair. The market essentially “voted” for function.
This tension between artistic vision and catering to the everyday consumer is a constant push and pull. Are we, as consumers, ultimately homogenizing design by always demanding the most practical and affordable option? or is our influence a positive one, forcing designers to create accessible art that truly enhances our lives? I’m curious what you all think.