Design Movements in History

Baroque design, originating in the 17th century, was a grand and ornate style characterized by dramatic and elaborate details. It emerged as a response to the Renaissance, featuring rich embellishments, curvaceous forms, and a sense of theatricality in various art forms, including architecture, painting, and sculpture.

• Grand and ornate design style.

• Dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro).

• Elaborate detailing and sculptural elements.

Iconic Work: Gian Lorenzo Bernini's sculptural masterpiece "Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" in the Cornaro Chapel.

Characterized by decorative and ornamental elements, often inspired by nature and flowing forms. It influenced graphic design, architecture, and applied arts, showcasing intricate and elegant designs.

• Ornate, flowing lines and organic forms.

• Incorporation of nature-inspired motifs.

• Elaborate and decorative typography.

Iconic Work: "Mucha's Job Cigarette Papers"

Modernism emerged as a response to the societal and technological changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials. Modernist design sought to break away from historical styles, focusing on clean lines and a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation.

• Simplicity, functionality, and minimalism.

• Use of new materials like steel and glass.

• Rejection of excessive ornamentation.

Iconic Work: Walter Gropius's design for the Bauhaus building.

A reaction against the industrialization of design, emphasizing craftsmanship and a return to hand-crafted arts. It influenced a range of visual arts, including typography and book design.

• Emphasis on craftsmanship and handmade goods.

• Use of natural materials and traditional techniques.

• Inspired by medieval and folk art.

Iconic Work: The Work of William Morris

With roots in the Industrial Revolution, Industrial design embraced machine-made products and materials. It emphasized functionality, efficiency, and the aesthetic beauty of industrial materials.

• Embrace of machine-made products and materials.

• Focus on functionality and efficiency.

• Aesthetic appreciation of industrial materials.

Focused on the integration of art, craft, and technology. Emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials. It laid the foundation for modern design principles and a minimalist approach.

• Emphasis on functionality and simplicity.

• Use of geometric shapes and clean lines.

• Integration of art, craft, and technology.

Iconic Work: "Bauhaus Manifesto"

Originating in Italy, Futurism embraced technology, speed, and the dynamism of modern life. It influenced various art forms, including graphic design, with a focus on geometric shapes and bold compositions.

• Celebration of technology, speed, and modernity.

• Use of dynamic and abstract forms.

• Manifesto-driven and forward-looking ideology.

Iconic Work: Fortunato Depero's "Bolted Book."

Characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and functionality, Mid Century Modern design influenced architecture, furniture, and graphic design. It sought to bring modern design to a broader audience.

• Clean lines and simple forms.

• Emphasis on functionality and practicality.

• Integration of natural materials and modern design.

Iconic Work: Eames Lounge Chair

American Kitsch embraced the aesthetic of mass-produced, often sentimental, and nostalgic items. It celebrated popular culture, tackiness, and a playful approach to aesthetics.

• Celebration of mass-produced and sentimental items.

• Nostalgic and playful aesthetics.

• Embrace of popular culture and tackiness.

Iconic Design: Melbourne's "Skipping Girl" Flurescent sign. 

Originating in Russia, it aimed to reflect the principles of the socialist movement. Characterized by geometric shapes, bold typography, and a focus on functionality and collective ideals.

• Geometric shapes and bold typography.

• Functionality and a focus on collective ideals.

• Influence of socialist and revolutionary themes.

Iconic Work: El Lissitzky's "Beat the Whites with the Red Wedge"

Originating in the Netherlands, it emphasized geometric abstraction and the use of primary colors. Artists and designers sought a harmonious, universal visual language.

• Use of primary colors and geometric abstraction.

• Neoplasticism and a reduction to essential forms.

• Asymmetry and a pursuit of universal visual language.

Iconic Work: Piet Mondrian's "Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow"

Reacting against abstract expressionism, Pop Art incorporated popular culture elements and everyday objects. It aimed to bridge the gap between high and low art.

• Incorporation of popular culture elements.

• Use of everyday objects and mass media imagery.

• Bold colors and graphic simplicity.

Iconic Work: Andy Warhol's "Shoes"

Emphasized clarity, legibility, and cleanliness in design. Utilized grid systems and sans-serif typography. Known for its objective and information-centric approach to visual communication. This objective quality is why it's known also as 'International Style', as designs could be seen as coming from anywhere in the world.

• Clarity, simplicity, and legibility.

• Use of grid systems for layout.

• Sans-serif typography and objective imagery.

Flourished during the counterculture movement. Characterized by vibrant colors, distorted typography, and intricate, detailed illustrations. It aimed to capture the spirit of the psychedelic experience.

• Vibrant and bold color schemes.

• Distorted and surreal imagery.

• Detailed and intricate patterns.

Iconic Work: The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" Album Cover

Rejected the rigidity of modernism and embraced eclecticism, irony, and pastiche. It allowed for a mix of historical styles and a departure from strict design rules, fostering a more playful and expressive approach.

• Eclecticism and rejection of strict rules.

• Irony, humor, and pastiche.

• Mix of historical and contemporary styles.

Emphasizing simplicity and functionality, Minimalist design strips away unnecessary elements. It focuses on clean lines, a limited color palette, and a reduction to essential forms.

• Simplicity, clarity, and minimal ornamentation.

• Use of basic geometric shapes.

• Emphasis on essential elements and negative space.

Iconic Work: "I ♥ NY" logo by Milton Glaser.

Punk design emerged as part of the larger punk movement, rejecting traditional design norms. It featured bold graphics, collage-style visuals, and an anarchic, rebellious aesthetic.

• DIY ethos and anti-establishment attitude.

• Bold graphics, collage-style visuals.

• Raw and rebellious aesthetic.

Iconic Work: Punk album covers, such as the Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols."

Originating from the music and youth culture of the Pacific Northwest, Grunge design embraced a raw and gritty aesthetic. It often featured distressed textures, hand-drawn elements, and a non-conformist attitude.

• Raw, gritty, and distressed aesthetics.

• Use of hand-drawn and imperfect elements.

• Non-conformist and anti-commercial.

As digital technology emerged, early digital art and design explored new possibilities. Pixel art, computer-generated graphics, and experimental digital interfaces marked this period.

• Experimentation with computer-generated graphics.

• Pixel art, computer-generated patterns.

• Exploration of the possibilities of digital tools.

Iconic Work: "Early Macintosh Graphics" by Kare

Originating in urban environments, Street Art challenges traditional art spaces. It includes graffiti, murals, and installations, often conveying social or political messages.

Iconic Work: Works by street artists like Banksy.

• Art in public spaces, often unauthorized.

• Use of spray paint, stencils, and freehand techniques.

• Expression of social or political messages.

Characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and a focus on usability. Features flat shapes, vibrant colors, and a lack of three-dimensional effects. Popularized in user interface design for its clean and modern aesthetic.

• Minimalistic design with simple shapes and colors.

• Absence of three-dimensional effects (shadows, gradients).

• Focus on user interface clarity and functionality.

Explanation: With a growing emphasis on environmental awareness, sustainable design prioritizes eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and ethical production methods.

• Use of eco-friendly materials and practices.

• Emphasis on energy efficiency.

• Ethical production methods.

Iconic Work: The sustainable packaging designs of brands like Ecover.

 As technology advanced, 3D design emerged, incorporating three-dimensional elements into graphics, animations, and product design. It opened up new possibilities for creating immersive and realistic visual experiences.

• Incorporation of three-dimensional elements.

• Realistic rendering and immersive experiences.

• Advanced use of technology for visual effects.

Iconic Work: Pixar animation.