Architect And Teakettle

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Q1 : What design principles were used in the design of the teakettles? Democratization of design Michael Graves's most notable accomplishment may be in his success as a high profile architect and a household name. He teamed up with the large scale discount retail chain, Target, developing a wide range of products reaching a larger public. His relationships with Target has broadened the role of architects and designers in society, and broadened the concept that design belongs to everyone. As explained by the company motto of Target "Design for all", Graves wish to stay true of his designs no matter who it was for, and make it assessable to wider audience. Such concept of democratization of design is not only being actualized in terms of pricing and distribution channel, but also in the product design. Graves was told to design the teakettles that is closer to the taste of average public, to be more precise, the general public in the the United Sates.1 Therefore, he had to tap into the country’s cultural context, in order to fascinate and serve every american. Through playfully combines elements of art-deco and pop-art, like the use of bright colors and soft curves, the character of the teakettle was less intellectual, more cartoonish and most importantly filled with entertaining Americanness. The Americans lived a face-paced life and need to boil water for instant coffee every morning, therefore the kettle has a large base for sped boiling. The Americans are faithful believers in the freedom of choice, therefore the teakettle provides a removable option of the spout, catering different user's needs by setting a customization possibility. Such product attributes has showed a user-oriented design principle, instead of product-oriented, that tries to make the product universal to every potential user. In doing so, Graves' practice of design, required

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