Through research, you will examine and analyze the form and function of the object of art / design chosen. You
will consider, HOW it is a visual document of the its’ time — what the object “says” about a particular time
period. Your task is to hypothesize an answer to the question, “So, why does it look like that?” This focus will
also allow you to investigate and discuss HOW your object is an example of a successful design, or not. The
focus is to describe, analyze, and conclude on the design of the object. I want you to really think about WHAT
you are looking at.
is this intended to be similar to a Wikipedia page on your object. Also keep in mind, this is not an essay about
how influential the designer of the object was / is. Nor is it a biography, either of your designer or the company
she/he may have worked for or even created. Rather, you are looking more deeply into the design process by
examining how designers think about their worlds and the larger societal problems they try to solve through
good design, and how those solutions resonate through society.
In addition to describing, analyzing, and concluding on the design of the object chosen the following are to be
included:
Identify and vividly describe the object that is the focus of the essay.
Identify and briefly discuss the designer of the object – consider including information that is relevant to the
design of the object.
Clearly discuss the socio-historical context and its impact on the object. Here it is very important to make the
connection between the object and how it is a visual document of the time. Think about what was happening
within the ten years of the creation of your object. HOW did the events affect the designer and the design of the
object?
Discuss any innovations / technological advancements use to design the object.
Analyze FOUR elements and / or principles of design. Refer to the content page on the “Elements and
Principles of Design” provided.
If possible, identify the design movement / style the object is part of OR related to. One way to successfully
prove your points is to compare and contrast the object chosen to one that is examined in class. REMEMBER,
the design movements / styles in the Modules have specific dates associated with them; therefore, your object
might date later and have similar characteristics but not be part of the original design movement / style
Sample Solution
