Characteristics of Classic Design
Which of the following is a defining trait of classic design?
A) Constant redesign
B) Instantly recognisable form
C) Heavy marketing reliance
D) Short-lived appeal
B) Instantly recognisable form
Which emotional response is most commonly linked with classic designs?
A) Nostalgia
B) Confusion
C) Indifference
D) Irritation
A) Nostalgia
Before the Industrial Revolution, classic design meant:
A) Mass manufacturing
B) Artistry and craftsmanship
C) Simplicity
D) Technology-driven
B) Artistry and craftsmanship: Classic once referred to high-level handmade artistry, not industrial products.
“Form follows function” means design should prioritise:
A) Function
B) Decoration
C) Aesthetics only
D) Status
A) Function: A design must first meet its intended use before focusing on looks.
Classic designs often remain desirable even when:
A) Technologically obsolete
B) Expensive
C) Marketed poorly
D) Rarely copied
A) Technologically obsolete: Demand persists even when the product is outdated.
Which product is often cited as an instantly recognisable design?
A) iPhone 14
B) Coca-Cola bottle
C) Kindle
D) Xbox
B) Coca-Cola bottle: The Coca-Cola bottle’s unique contour shape is recognised worldwide, even without its label.
The “wow” factor in classic designs often comes from:
A) Innovation
B) Simplicity
C) Obsolescence
D) Cost
A) Innovation
Which Italian scooter became a cultural icon post-WWII?
A) Mini Cooper
B) Vespa 98
C) Beetle
D) Kombi
B) Vespa 98: The Vespa symbolised affordable mobility in post-war Italy.
The VW Beetle was designed originally for:
A) Luxury consumers
B) Affordability & function
C) Racing
D) Pure style
B) Affordability & function: The Beetle was stripped of luxury features to be accessible.
Mass production supports classic design by:
A) Increasing luxury
B) Creating affordability
C) Limiting distribution
D) Reducing demand
B) Creating affordability: Copies prove the original design’s influence and success.
Which factor makes classic designs remain timeless?
A) High resale value
B) Seasonal fashion
C) Complex mechanics
D) Short production runs
A) High resale value: Classic products retain or increase resale value as demand outlives availability.
Which product is a classic because of its conversation-piece psychology, not function?
A) Anglepoise Lamp
B) Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer
C) Bic pen
D) Mini Cooper
B) Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer: The Juicy Salif is admired for its striking form, not its usability.
Dr Martens boots are tied to which UK youth subculture?
A) Mods
B) Skinheads
C) Hippies
D) Punks
B) Skinheads: Dr Martens became a strong visual identity for skinheads.
The Anglepoise Lamp is iconic due to:
A) Its versatility/adjustability
B) Its decoration
C) Limited production
D) Its rarity
A) Its versatility/adjustability: Adjustable mechanics made the lamp practical and timeless.
Which is the best example of dominant design?
A) ABC Keyboard
B) QWERTY Keyboard
C) Handwriting
D) Emoji layout
B) QWERTY Keyboard
Classic design is often linked to which identity aspect?
A) External identity
B) Hidden function
C) Manufacturing ease
D) Marketing gimmick
A) External identity: Classic designs often symbolize cultural or personal identity (e.g., Ferrari for wealth)
Owning rare classic designs boosts:
A) Energy efficiency
B) Social status
C) Repairability
D) Simplicity
B) Social status: Classic designs act as symbols of prestige (e.g., Ferrari, Rolex).
Vegemite is considered a cultural classic in which country?
A) USA
B) UK
C) Australia
D) Germany
C) Australia: Vegemite represents Australian identity and nostalgia.
The Mini Cooper balanced affordability with:
A) Speed
B) Economy
C) Decoration
D) Status
B) Economy: Designed for working-class families, it offered economic mobility.
Classic designs are often copied, which reinforces:
A) The original’s pioneering status
B) Obsolescence
C) Poor quality
D) Limited resale value
A) The original’s pioneering status
Which of the following best fits the definition of “classic design”?
A) Temporary product fad
B) Iconic, timeless, manufactured industrially
C) Limited to elite consumers
D) Only handmade artisan objects
B) Iconic, timeless, manufactured industrially
When a design creates strong love-or-hate reactions, it is:
A) Universally admired
B) Polarising
C) Technologically obsolete
D) Ubiquitous
B) Polarising: Some classics divide opinion but still achieve iconic status.
Art Deco design reached peak popularity in which decade?
A) 1920s
B) 1930s
C) 1950s
D) 1970s
B) 1930s: Art Deco was mass-produced and widely adopted in the 1930s.
In product development, which is a typical design compromise?
A) Form vs. function
B) Weight vs. strength
C) Style vs. marketing
D) Packaging vs. resale
B) Weight vs. strength: Designers often trade strength for lighter weight or vice versa.
A product like the Bic pen is described as:
A) Obsolete
B) Ubiquitous/omnipresent
C) Expensive
D) Exclusive
B) Ubiquitous/omnipresent