{"product_id":"product-design-technology-and-social-change-a-short-cultural-history-9781835950234","title":"Product Design, Technology, and Social Change: A Short Cultural History","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eProduct design has evolved from pre-industrial times to the present day, supporting the integration and interpretation of emerging technologies into our lives. It encompasses a wide range of objects, from tools and accessories to furniture and clothing, and has had a profound impact on the quality of our lives. However, many products have also negatively impacted people and the environment. This cultural history examines the relationship between products, consumption, sustainability, politics, and social movements, and surveys product design from the agricultural revolution and the birth of cities, through industrialisation, and a digital design revolution. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 194 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 16 December 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Intellect\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct design has played a significant role in shaping our world throughout history, encompassing a wide range of objects that have impacted our daily lives in various ways. From tools and accessories to furniture and clothing, products have facilitated the integration and interpretation of emerging technologies, making our lives more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. However, the development of products has also had negative consequences, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and health risks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key milestones in the mass production of goods and services was the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and transformed the way we produce and consume goods. This period saw the introduction of new technologies such as the steam engine, the cotton gin, and the telegraph, which led to the growth of factories and the mass production of goods. While this led to increased productivity and economic growth, it also resulted in the exploitation of workers and the degradation of the environment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn response to these negative consequences, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable product design. Sustainable design aims to create products that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. This involves using materials that are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable, as well as designing products that are energy-efficient and have a low carbon footprint.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the challenges of sustainable product design is the need to balance the needs of consumers with the needs of the environment. Consumers want products that are affordable, convenient, and high-quality, while the environment requires products that are sustainable and do not contribute to pollution or climate change. This has led to the development of a range of sustainable design strategies, such as eco-design, green design, and circular design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEco-design involves designing products that are environmentally friendly from the beginning of the design process. This involves using materials that are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable, as well as designing products that are energy-efficient and have a low carbon footprint. Green design involves designing products that are environmentally friendly during the production process, while circular design involves designing products that are designed to be reused or recycled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCircular design is particularly important in the context of the digital design revolution, which has led to the production of a vast amount of electronic waste. Electronic waste is a major source of pollution and can be difficult to recycle. Circular design involves designing products that are designed to be reused or recycled, and that can be easily disassembled and recycled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to sustainable design, there has been a growing emphasis on the social and cultural impact of products. Products can have a significant impact on people's lives, and can be used to promote social justice, equality, and cultural diversity. For example, products can be used to promote gender equality, to support local communities, and to promote environmental awareness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, the development of products has also been criticized for its impact on human rights. For example, products that are made in sweatshops or by child labour can be harmful to workers and can contribute to human rights abuses. This has led to the development of ethical consumerism, which involves consumers making informed decisions about the products they purchase.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEthical consumerism involves consumers making informed decisions about the products they purchase. This involves considering the environmental and social impact of the products, as well as the ethical practices of the companies that produce them. Consumers can also support ethical companies by purchasing their products and by advocating for their rights.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, product design has played a significant role in shaping our world throughout history, encompassing a wide range of objects that have impacted our daily lives in various ways. While the development of products has had negative consequences, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable product design. Sustainable design aims to create products that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable, and involves using materials that are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable, as well as designing products that are energy-efficient and have a low carbon footprint. In addition to sustainable design, there has been a growing emphasis on the social and cultural impact of products, and ethical consumerism involves consumers making informed decisions about the products they purchase. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 338g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 169 x 244 x 14 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781835950234\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laura S. Scherling","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":46971761852666,"sku":"9781835950234","price":26.73,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/files\/1734719531503_book_b41519c3-60e0-4f87-93ef-dd6c249a3b9d.jpg?v=1734964806","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/product-design-technology-and-social-change-a-short-cultural-history-9781835950234","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}