The Next Big Idea Daily Who Designed Design?
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Jul 10, 2025 Explore the transformative journey of design from mere aesthetics to a crucial influence on functionality and human experience. Discover how design evolved alongside societal changes since the industrial revolution, shaping everything from technology to culture. Delve into the key ideas from a new book that highlights the historical significance of design and its role in making capitalism more approachable. Hear about remarkable designers and projects that showcase design’s potential to drive tangible change.
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Design Is A 20th-Century Invention
- The concept of design is a modern invention from the 20th century, not timeless or universal.
- Design unites aesthetics, functionality, human-centeredness, and problem-solving into one integrated idea.
Design Softens Industrial Capitalism
- Industrialization and capitalism transformed societies, introducing hardships and chaos.
- Design emerged to make life under capitalism feel less brutal, more creative, and friendly.
Artists Became Celebrated Designers
- 20th-century artists like Eva Zeisel and Ray Eames transitioned from workers to celebrated designers.
- Their creative work was valued as profitable and beneficial to civic life.
