Genius of Design product reviews

Everything made by mankind is designed... it might be accidental, it might be inspirational, but it's all been built to specification, form guided by function and materials, and making use of the technology of the era. This series takes us back to the Industrial Revolution, when building things became a task more for machines than men. From there, it slowly brings us forward, showing the evolution not only of the devices, but the materials, the inspirations and the functions 'things' need to perform.

Some of the most common and overlooked items we use today have a long and illustrious, and sometimes infamous, lineage. This series not only takes us for trips through time, it also gives us an opportunity to hear from experts in the various fields, and sometimes the designers themselves, giving us insight into the 'why' behind many of the 'what's.

Each episode covers 1-3 decades, and shows us how the prevailing social situations shaped and influenced the design processes for that time, and how they evolved from what came before, set the tone for what came after, and changed the way consumers thought about the mundane items of life.

From small appliances to automobiles, furniture to entire buildings, design is the skeleton and the skin of the 'things' in our life, with function being the muscles that let the 'things' do what they were made to do. This series takes us on a journey through the social evolution of 'stuff' and gives us insight as to what may be coming next, as the world starts to break down and run out of raw materials. Designers play a huge role in the balancing act between saving the planet and living lives of convenience.

Overall, though it may be a bit 'dry' for some, for those with creative or analytical minds this is sure to hold some new insights, much fascination, and more than a little education. Well worth considering if you have ever asked yourself why something was designed the way it is.