Historical and contemporary design influences

Historical Design Influences

Historical design influences refer to elements, periods, events and movements in the past that have shaped and informed current design principles and trends.

Art Movements: Influence of various art movements like Art Deco, Bauhaus, De Stijl, and Pop Art on contemporary design. Each brought forward their unique visual styles, principles and philosophies, many of which are still echoed in modern designs.
Cultural Exchange: How global exploration, trade and cultural exchange in the past have shaped design, weaving in elements of different cultures and traditions into a harmonious blend.
Industrial Revolution: Technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution that have impacted design, particularly the development of textiles and mass production methods.
Historical Figures: Influence of designers such as William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and Coco Chanel, who revolutionized fashion design.
Historical Events: Significant events and eras like the two World Wars, the Roaring ’20s or the Space Age, that have had a significant impact on the design world.

Contemporary Design Influences

Contemporary design influences refer to trends, technologies, movements and ideas of recent times that currently impact the design world.

Globalization: Impact of globalization and how the increasing interconnectedness of cultures shapes design trends and philosophies.
Digital Technology: How the digital age and advanced technology have influenced design, from digital art to 3D printing and beyond.
Social Media: Influence of social media on trends, aesthetics and the dissemination of design work.
Sustainable Design: Effects of increasing environmental awareness on the design industry, pushing for sustainable, eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Consumer Tastes and Lifestyles: How changing consumer tastes and lifestyles shape current design trends, and the importance of market and trend research in design.

Remember, understanding the context of a design is key - every design is rooted in context and reflects the trends, philosophies, challenges and aspirations of its time. A designer is not just creating for the present, but also drawing from the past and envisioning for the future.