When Was the American Industrial Design Movement?

From the late 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the American Industrial Design Movement began to take shape. This movement was defined by its focus on creating functional products that were also aesthetically pleasing.

It was a response to the overabundance of mass-produced, low-quality goods that had become prevalent in the industrial era. The focus of industrial design was on creating products with clean lines, minimal ornamentation and ergonomic shapes.

The movement began as a way to improve mass-produced goods in order to make them more attractive and efficient. In order to do this, designers had to consider form and function – creating a product that looked good but also served its purpose well.

They used new materials such as aluminum and plastic along with traditional materials like wood or metal. These materials allowed for new designs that could be lighter and more efficient.

At first, the movement was seen as an academic pursuit – something for design students to study and experiment with. But soon it gained traction in commercial settings and became an integral part of industrial production in America. By the 1920s, major companies like General Motors began hiring designers who specialized in industrial design.

The movement also influenced architecture and interior design as well as product design. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated elements of industrial design into his works – using flat planes and unadorned details in his buildings to create a modern look.

Throughout the 20th century, industrial design evolved with advances in technology and materials science – leading to sleek modern designs that are still seen today in products ranging from cars to refrigerators.

The American Industrial Design Movement is an important part of our history – one which has not only had an impact on how we produce goods but also on how we view aesthetics today. It is an important reminder that form should follow function when it comes to designing products for everyday use – something which continues to be relevant even today.

Conclusion: The American Industrial Design Movement began in the late 19th century and lasted until around the early 20th century when it became an integral part of industrial production in America. This movement focused on creating aesthetically pleasing products with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, ergonomic shapes, and efficient materials such as aluminum and plastic which led to iconic designs still seen today in modern products spanning from cars to refrigerators.