Technology and Cultural Changes

• Socio-Economic Influences on Design:

  Understanding Socio-Economics:

  • Examines how society and economy interact.
  • Helps designers recognize opportunities for product development and marketing.
  • Examples:
  • Technology companies marketing expensive devices to consumers prioritizing the latest gadgets.
  • Furniture stores selling high-volume, budget furniture catering to demographic changes.
• Demographic Trends:

  • Later Family Start: Couples often start families later in life, influencing demand for certain products.
  • Higher Education: Increasing numbers of young people progressing to university.
  • Aging Population: A larger elderly population affects demand for products designed for older adults.
• Historical Influences:

  Post-WWI Bauhaus Movement (1919–1932):

  • Philosophy: United art and industrial design, encouraged experimentation.
  • Materials: Shift from wood to metal tubing for its strength and reliability (inspired by wartime use, e.g., Fokker D.VII Triplane).
  • Key Designer: Marcel Breuer, known for the B3/Wassily chair.
  • Innovations: Utilized steel tubing, inspired by bicycle design.
  • Impact: Facilitated mass production using industrial machinery, transforming furniture design and production methods.
• WWII and Utility Products (1939–1945):

  • Rationing: Introduced in Britain due to shortages, affecting food, clothing, petrol, timber, and furniture.
  • Utility Furniture Scheme:
  • Leader: Gordon Russell.
  • Design: Strong, simple, functional furniture with no superfluous decoration.
  • Materials: Often used locally sourced materials, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.
  • Distribution: Initially for newly married couples and bombing raid victims.
  • CC41 Logo: Identified approved utility furniture, similar to the utility clothing scheme.
• Post-WWII Design Trends:

  • Utility Influence: Initial designs were functional but lacked excitement.
  • American Innovations: Designers like Raymond Loewy introduced 'streamlined' products (e.g., redesigned Coldspot refrigerator, increasing sales fourfold).
  • UK Initiatives: Council of Industrial Design (CoID) set up in 1944 to improve design standards.
  • Exhibitions: 'Britain Can Make It' (1946) and 'Festival of Britain' (1951).
  • Successor: Design Council (from 1972) advising on product, service, user experience, and built environment design.
• Contemporary Times:

  Mass-Produced Furniture and Decorative Products:

  • Post-1950s Trends: Rapid development of polymers and moulding techniques.
  • New Opportunities:
  • Designers: Verner Panton, Robin Day.
  • Iconic Products: Robin Day's 1963 PP chair, mass-produced and widely popular.
  • Scandinavian Influence:
  • Designers: Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto.
  • Notable Products: Gillis Lundgren’s 'Lövet' table (first knock-down furniture for easy transportation and storage).
• • Ikea Revolution:
  • Key Products: 'Billy' bookcase, sold over 40 million units.
  • Impact: Made fashionable, affordable furniture accessible to a broader audience, shifting the perception of furniture from a lifetime investment to a replaceable, fashion-driven purchase.
  • Consumer Trends:
  • Affordability and Fashion: Consumers now enjoy affordable, trendy furniture that can be replaced as fashions change.
  • Historical Context: Previously, furniture was a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, expected to outlive the owner.
• Microelectronics Revolution:

  • Invention of vacuum tubes kick-started electronics era in 1900's.
  • Semi-conducting devices like transistors, developed in 1940s, transformed technology.
  • Integrated circuits (ICs) in the 50s led to microelectronics, enabling massive size reduction.
  • Today's ultra-large-scale integration packs over 10 billion transistors in a single device.
  • Impact: Proliferation of computers and mobile devices, shaping both positive (e.g., medical advances) and negative (e.g., cyberbullying) aspects.
  • Moore's Law predicted transistors doubling every two years, driving tech adv.
• Microelectronics Impact on Design and Manufacturing:

  • Microelectronics enabled the the integration of powerful microprocessor ICs into CNC machines.
  • Computers, powered by microelectronics, can execute complex CAD designs quickly.
  • Contrasting examples between the 1950s and now showcase vast improvements due to microelectronics.
• Research

  The 1950s pre-microelectronics examples:

  • Research Information from books and journals
  • Personal interviews with target consumer groups
  • Communication by letter and landline telephone

  Current

  • Internet searches for a range of online resources
  • Web-based market research
  • Materials databases
  • Digital photographs available for instant access
  • Parts manufacturers’ PDF data sheets
  • Mobile phone, text and social media
• Generating and refining design ideas

  1950s pre-microelectronics examples:

  • Pencil sketching
  • Working drawings hand produced
  • Similar parts have to be drawn separately
  • Limited ability to reproduce copies (blueprints)
  • Inefficient storage system for drawings
  • Hand-produced colour renderings requiring artistic skill

  Current Examples:

  • Graphics tablet with ‘pen’
  • Highly sophisticated 2D and 3D CAD
  • Easily modified CAD details
  • A range of additional CAD ‘tools’.
  • Highly realistic CAD renderings
  • Existing products can be scanned to input data for CAD designs
• Design collaboration and communication

  Pre-microelectronics

  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Landline telephone calls between offices
  • Drawings sent by postal service

  Current examples

  • Web conferencing
  • Email
  • Texting
  • Social media
  • File sharing on intranet and internet (e.g. Dropbox, Google Docs)
  • Working from home is facilitated
  • Photo and video-sharing websites
  • Several designers can collaborate on one CAD design
• Modelling and testing ideas

  Pre-micro-electronics:

  • Handmade models, using traditional materials
  • Destructive testing of full-size prototypes

  Current

  • Virtual models in simulated scenarios can be seen by clients
  • 3D printed models and prototypes for testing and checking
  • FEA (finite element analysis) to check stress effects
  • Mould flow analysis (MFA) to check possible production problems
• Manufacturing

  Pre-micro-electronics:

  • Large number of skilled operatives required for lathes, milling machines, etc.
  • Many companies operated large-scale ‘apprentice’ schemes to maintain skill levels
  • Material and parts handling is usually manual and labour-intensive

  Current

  • Smaller number of skilled operatives needed for a vast range of CNC automatic machines, including lathes, milling machines, routers, lasers and robots
  • 3D printing is increasingly widespread and encompasses a wider range of materials
• QC (quality control) and testing

  Pre-micro-electronic:

  • Mainly manual inspection and measurement of samples using micrometres, verniers and gauges
  • Visual checks
  • Use of relatively basic laboratory equipment

  Current

  • Automated scanning of products for faults such as cracks and imperfections
  • Rejection of parts based on digital imaging and code recognition
  • Probe-based computer measuring systems used to check accuracy
  • Emphasis on QA (quality assurance) facilitated by access to 24/7 process monitoring by computer system
• The impact of the use of microelectronics in products

  Everything relates to how microelectronics has advanced designing and manufacturing. However, it has also provided the essential components at the heart of a new generation of products that had either never previously existed or had been very inconvenient, bulky and energy-intensive.
• New Materials in Product Design:

  Glulam:

  • Glulam involves bonding multiple pieces of timber to create strong, composite components for structures like buildings and bridges.
  • Its strength-to-weight ratio surpasses that of steel due to minimized defects, offering advantages in terms of both strength and weight.
  • Variants like cross-laminated timber (CLT) provide strength in multiple directions, enabling innovative designs.
  • Glulam is gaining popularity due to its sustainability, ease of shaping, and lower energy costs in forming processes.
• New Materials in Product Design:

  Kevlar®:

  • Kevlar® is an aromatic polyamide fiber renowned for its exceptional toughness and tensile strength.
  • It is woven into materials and combined with resins to create advanced composites used in diverse applications.
  • Examples include bulletproof vests, puncture-resistant tires, and components in aerospace engineering, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
• New Materials:

  Precious Metal Clay (PMC):

  • PMC consists of microscopic particles of gold, silver, and other metals bound in a pliable medium for crafting jewelry and other products.
  • After shaping, a sintering process fuses the particles and burns off the binding medium.
  • The latest formulations require minimal heating time, but designers must account for the material's shrinkage during the process, particularly in products like rings.
• New Materials:

  Nanomaterials:

  • Nanotechnology manipulates particles in the atomic and molecular size range, offering groundbreaking applications.
  • Nanomaterials are used in sunscreen, cosmetics, and research on nanoelectronic devices with enhanced capacity.
  • Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, exhibits remarkable properties like high tensile strength, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity.
  • Despite their promising features, concerns exist about the recyclability and toxicity of some nanomaterials, necessitating cautious adoption in product design.
• New Methods of Manufacturing:

  • Shift in Workforce Dynamics: The 20th century witnessed a transformation in manufacturing, transitioning from reliance on manual machine operators to a smaller, highly skilled workforce proficient in computer-based manufacturing.
  • Evolution of Skilled Technicians: Skilled technicians now focus on designing, building, programming, and maintaining computer-based manufacturing devices, reducing the need for extensive manual labor.
• New Methods of Manufacturing:

  • Introduction of Manufacturing Cells: Manufacturing cells, often equipped with robotic devices and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), facilitate multiple machining operations in a single setup.
  • Advancements in CAM and Robotics: Continuous advancements in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and robotics play a pivotal role in modern manufacturing practices.
  • Emerging Innovative Techniques: Alongside CAM and robotics, various innovative manufacturing techniques are gaining prominence, reflecting ongoing technological evolution in the manufacturing industry.

   
• Electrohydraulic Forming:

  • Process Description: Electrohydraulic forming involves the single-stage formation of intricate sheet metal components using a shockwave generated by an electrical spark in a water tank. Similar methods employ explosives for the same purpose.

  A) Pulse Generator

  B) Die

  C) Blank

  D) Water

  E) Electrode

  F) Metal wire

  G) Chamber

  
• Electrohydraulic Forming:

  • Advantages:

  1. Single-Sided Former: Requires only a one-sided former, simplifying the tooling process.
  2. Complex Shapes: Capable of producing deep, intricate, and finely detailed shapes.
  3. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of materials and thicknesses.
  4. Single-Stage Process: Offers the advantage of completing the forming process in a single stage, streamlining production.
  5. Speed: Rapid operation.
  6. Even Material Distribution: Ensures uniform material distribution.
• Advanced 3D Printing of Metals:

  • Method:
  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), a type of selective laser sintering (SLS), is utilized for printing metal products. This process involves layer-by-layer fusion of metal particles using a laser to build the desired shape.
  • Similarity to Early 3D Printing Principles:
  • DMLS shares principles with early "powder bed" 3D printers, where a binding fluid is selectively added to powder to form a solid model.
• Advanced 3D Printing of Metals:

  1. Strength and Lightweight: DMLS enables the creation of parts that are both robust and lightweight, offering a favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
  2. Complex Internal Features: Capable of achieving intricate internal structures such as undercuts and voids, which are challenging with conventional manufacturing methods like casting and machining.
  3. Prototyping and Testing: Particularly suitable for producing one-off prototypes and test parts, facilitating rapid iteration and validation.
• Fibre Injection Moulding:

  • Applications: Particularly popular in the automotive industry, fibre injection moulding produces parts that are robust, rigid, lightweight, and cost-effective. Additionally, certain polyamides used in this process can be electroplated to achieve desired surface finishes, akin to ABS and metals.
  • Sustainability Benefits: Fibre injection moulding contributes to sustainability by enabling the reuse of carbon-fibre fabric off-cuts and waste from conventional carbon-fibre reinforced resin manufacturing, thereby reducing material waste.
• Fibre Injection Moulding:

  • Process Overview: Fibre injection moulding is a recent enhancement of the standard injection moulding process. It involves the use of pellets containing glass or carbon fibres, such as polyamide (nylon) polymers. In long fibre injection moulding, reinforcing fibre roving is directly incorporated into the polymer during moulding.
• Laser Beam Welding (LBW):is

  • Advantages:
  • Welds various metals, including dissimilar ones.
  • Minimizes distortion due to narrow heat-affected zone.
  • Produces smooth welds, often eliminating the need for further finishing.
  • Offers high accuracy and precision.
  • Eliminates the need for filler rods.
  • Allows welding of small, thin components with reduced risk of damage.
  • Disadvantages:
  • High capital investment is required.
  • Requires a clean environment to protect optics.
  • Entails additional health and safety considerations.
• Laser Beam Welding (LBW):

  • Process Overview: LBW involves using the intense heat of a laser beam to join multiple metal pieces, especially in automotive manufacturing. It creates fast, narrow, and deep welds, sometimes employing twin laser beams. LBW can also be combined with other welding techniques like MIG and TIG for increased efficiency.
• Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD):

  • Applications: Used in various industries for coating and finishing purposes, offering advantages over methods like electroplating.
  • Related Process: Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) is a similar technique but relies on chemical reactions rather than evaporation to deposit thin films or coatings.
• Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD):

  • Process Overview: PVD is a method for producing thin films or coating products with surface finishes. It's commonly used in semiconductor components, food packaging, machine tool cutting tips, and decorative products. The process involves heating the base material until it vaporizes, which then condenses onto the target material, forming a thin layer of the desired material.

  A) Component

  B) Deposit

  C) Evaporated material

  D) Vaccum

  E) Heated coating material

  
• The Internet of Things (IoT):

  • Definition: IoT refers to the interconnection of various devices through networks like Wi-Fi and the internet.
  • Potential Applications:
  • Manufacturing: Enables streamlined processes like Just-in-Time (JiT) manufacturing by automatically managing part supplies based on real-time demand.
  • Domestic Tasks: Devices like smart fridges utilize cameras and RFID scanners to monitor and order groceries automatically.
• The Internet of Things (IoT):

  • Benefits:
  • Efficiency: Allows for prompt supply management and dynamic response to changes in the system, such as machine faults.
  • Predictive Maintenance: Sensors monitor machine conditions, providing data for predictive maintenance scheduling to avoid breakdowns.
  • Future Implications: With IoT, automation and optimization extend to various sectors, promising increased productivity and convenience.
• Advancements in CAD/CAM:

  • Standardized File Formats: The use of standardized file formats like DXF and STL bridges the gap between CAD and CAM, enabling seamless transfer of design files for manufacturing across different machines.
  • 3D Printing Revolution: The advent of 3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing, allowing for the production of complex components that were previously challenging or impossible with conventional methods.
• Advancements in CAD/CAM:

  • Enhancing Compatibility: Strategies such as using XML aim to enhance compatibility among CAD/CAM systems, crucial as the number of software packages increases.
  • Integrated Realization: Integration of tools like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) during the early design stages speeds up the process and allows for the identification of issues sooner.
  • Cloud-Based Solutions: Allows designers and engineers to access tools remotely, enhancing productivity by eliminating the need for software installation on individual devices.
• Advancements in CAD/CAM:

  • Mass Customization: Mass customization trends, exemplified by companies like Nike offering personalized products, are expected to integrate greater CAD input from customers, providing more customization options.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Integration: VR technology is increasingly integrated into CAD, offering designers a more immersive and realistic environment for creating and visualizing designs, and enhancing the design process.
• Social Issues:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Public health concerns
  • Poverty alleviation
  • Discrimination and social inequality
  • Unemployment and job displacement due to automation
• Moral and Ethical Issues:

  • Balancing consumer desires with societal needs
  • Responsibility of designers and manufacturers in shaping society
  • Criticism of mass production's impact on traditional craft skills
  • Victor Papanek's critique of prioritizing wants over needs
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

  • Companies' self-regulation to ensure social responsibility and sustainability
  • Initiatives like renewable energy commitments, sustainable material sourcing, and philanthropy
  • Examples include Lego Group's renewable energy targets and Disney's charity work and environmental conservation efforts