Question 1:
What social/cultural and political forces and myths may be at play that gave rise to transparency as a design idiom during the 1990s?

Given the market saturation of electronic devices, people are becoming more comfortable with these appliances: even to the point of having an understanding of them. It is possible that greater understanding has also allowed people to more rigorously question of what the appliance actually is; the introduction of clear appliances would facilitate both these needs. Another idea would be linked to market saturation, in that the market was flooded in the 90’s, and so companies were forced to reinvent their models to create a new need. Furthermore, clear appliances can be seen as a new example of device as status symbol: the clean clear lines of modern appliances, replaces the monotone white. Lastly, the incorporation of clear materials in product design could be an attempt to create universal appeal, to both males and females. This would also facilitate new market openings in that both genders would desire these appliances.


Question 2:
What are the possible social/cultural and political constructs and myths that are bubbling to the surface that are giving rise to water and fluidity becoming a design topic, language and muse and how may this relate to your own watery explorations?

Obviously the issue of water is quite topical, given its scarcity and the consumer culture trends to use it in excess, and then the designer’s role is to look at minimising trends towards water wastage. Perhaps something else which could be of importance is that given much of the world’s population desire waterside living, near clean water; then it would follow that the same could be said fro the appliances they own. A shift towards sleek, clean and clear objects which are just part of the environment. Water and fluidity as a design term are quite important, because we often associate fluidity with motion, newness, and a “design” (in whatever form it may exist) that works: both aesthetically and functionally. Another important association with water and fluidity is fashion, because as discussed in question one; clear allows for new markets and trends to exist.

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