IB Design Technology 6. Classic Design Questionbank

Figure 1 shows a coffee maker design from the 1930s. It is widely considered a design classic and is still used today.

Figure 1: A coffee maker

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moka2.jpg Imm808 – Wikimedia Commons]

Which of these factors may have contributed to its status as a classic design?

I. It could be mass produced easily

II. It was the dominant design for coffee makers for many years

III. It transcended its function by being used as decoration in many kitchens

A consumer selects a luxury wristwatch because it conveys a sense of professional success and style, despite it being less accurate than a cheaper electronic alternative. This choice primarily reflects which element of classic design?

The following table describes two distinct characteristics associated with products that have achieved the status of a 'classic design':

Which characteristic of classic design is identified by Description II?

The Volkswagen (VW) Beetle is considered a design classic. In the 1999 car of the century competition it came fourth (after the Ford Model T, Mini and Citroen DS).

Since the production of the first car in 1941 the car has changed very little in appearance, see Figure 10. Initially the bodywork was made of steel, but more recently this has changed to a range of materials such as alloys, composites and plastics.

Other materials that make up the VW Beetle have also changed. For example, the windscreen (windshield) is made of laminated glass whereas it was originally made of toughened glass.

One way that a product may be considered as a design classic is by the length of the maturity phase in the product life cycle.