1.1.5

Culture & Society

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Culture

Communities are made up of a wide range of different people. These people can be influenced by and have an influence on design.

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Different faiths and beliefs

  • Communities are made up of people with different faiths and beliefs.
  • Designers are responsible for ensuring that their product doesn’t cause offence.
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Example: Gucci

  • Gucci’s balaclava knit top was withdrawn for causing offence due to its oversized lips and black colour, resembling a ‘black face’ which has negative cultural significance to black communities.
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Example: Carrier bags

  • Carrier bags contain an animal fat which is made from boiled animal bones, to prevent the bags from sticking.
  • This causes great offence to many different faiths and beliefs who avoid touching or using these products.

Society

The design and manufacture of a product should try not to have a negative impact on others and be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

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Design for disabled and elderly

  • Designs should:
    • Be inclusive.
      • Example: Pushchair handles being adjustable for people of different heights.
      • Clothes being available in a range of sizes.
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Designs for disabled and elderly cont.

  • Be accessible.
    • Example: Door frames and entrances to public buildings being wheelchair friendly.
  • Improve people’s lives.
    • Example: 3D printing being used for facial reconstruction and artificial arms.
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Different religious groups

  • Religions have hugely differing views on lifestyle, significant colours and important symbols.
  • Communication with different groups is vital when producing products to prevent them causing harm or offence.
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Example: trainers

  • In 2002, Umbro created new trainers called Zyklon, which were quickly withdrawn because of the offence caused.
  • The Nazis used Zyklon B when murdering millions of Jews in their concentration camps during the Second World War.
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Example: swimwear

  • The design of modest swimwear for Muslim women that enables them to swim whilst covering their body, respecting beliefs.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

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