The Evolution of Industrial & Interaction Design

Before the industrial revolution, the human race had to rely solely on their communities alone in order to produce goods; this is what was known as interaction design. Trading was common, but this practice wasn’t enough to satisfy the need for better technological advancements. Today, we have been able to stray far away from the first inventions of the industrial revolution. Modern technological advancements have made the current industrial and interaction design worlds above products made centuries ago. This is the evolution of industrial and interaction design throughout our history. 

Early Interaction Design
Interaction design existed even without electronic devices. This type of design was used to make physical technology since the beginning of history. It was discovered that the Native Americans used this interaction design amongst their cultures. One example of how they used interaction design was with fire smoke. This is how fire communication started; it is now used to send out S.O.S signals, and to show signs of life to planes when people are stranded. Other ways interaction design was used during early times was to carve messages/stories into cave walls, to establish landmarks, and to record history in whatever resources were available like stone. Once the 1830’s hit, a man named Samuel Morse created the Morse code system. It is still used today for ships and plans to communicate with each other. “It took about 50 years for Morse code to be a worldwide system of communication, but this revolutionary idea paved the way for future interactions. Modern designs can either be revolutionary or bland,” shares Paul Anderson, design blogger at Professional Essay Writing Service.

Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution first took off in the 1760’s in Europe. James Watt was a Scottish engineer who felt inspired to advance the current steam engine model. His impact helped the Industrial Revolution to start because of the changes he made. James Watt collarborated alongside Matthew Boulton, and together they developed a better steam engine. Their work contributed to the opening of the British goods and services market. Products like flour, cotton, and paper were able to be produced and sold, while waterworks and distilleries were able to be opened. With the power of reliable transportation, Europe began thriving in the period of inventions and new technology. This was just the start of the Industrial Revolution.

In the 1800’s, Europe’s innovators continued to produce successful technology. New locomotives that could hold passengers were made, steamboats became popular, and the trading system extended across the oceans. Manmade labour devices such as looms, furnaces, and cars became established as well. By the 1900’s, our world was full of new creations to help everyday life become easier. By the 1900’s phones, computers, modern vehicles, and other devices became part of the lives of many. We owe it to the centuries of inventors who raised the bar for what new technological advancement should exist next.

The Internet
Without the internet, you wouldn’t be reading this article. During the 1990’s, what is known as the internet was further being introduced to a world of intrigued individuals. The internet was truly unlike any other industrial or interactive design. Users of the online world could communicate, find information, and publish their content online. The demand for phones resulted due to the internet and the need for constant communication. The cellphone market skyrocketed in the 1990’s because the general public wanted to get their hands on the ever so desirable movible devices. Apple, Blackberry, and Microsoft were the most popular influences on early computers and phones. Both Apple and Microsoft, though two competitors, both achieve everlasting success in our modern world. With all of the new devices, things like the stock market, and virtual data became a prevalent part of the start of the internet. “Despite it only being around 40 years, the internet has come a long way. It’s incredible that we can communicate with others in a variety of ways because of the internet,” exclaims Ted Smith, technical writer at Write My Paper.

Benefits of Industrial & Interactive Design
Without all of the necessary inventions and adaptations throughout world history, we would not be in the place we are today. Technologies save us time, make work easier, and have got us to a world full of endless possibilities. One of the first benefits of designed technologies is the immediate way we can communicate to billions of people in a heartbeat. Before the internet, we had to rely on slow means of communication that include: letters, personal message travelers, and animals. In periods of crisis, we don’t have to wait to seek help from allies. We can also meet new friends online, share our creativity, and use technology to enhance our lives. Industrial designs allow us to access convenience, especially when we are on a tight schedule. Microwaves, fast food, and any services you can dream of have all been able to assist us through daily hustle and bustle. New technologies have brought us from struggling to maintain life, to increasing the average life expectancy of humans.

Modern Industrial & Interactive Design
Scary yet incredible; those are two words I associate with modern industrial and interactive design. Modern advancements are scary for a few reasons. Sometimes, inventions are not necessary or positive, which can harm us and the environment. Overproduction has caused an overwhelming, uncontrollable amount of excess waste. Huge corporations are putting their success and profits over the wellbeing of the planet and it’s lifeforms. Animals are endangered because of the state of the environment. Resources like trees are abused, and waste pollutes habitats. Other technology, especially internet related, is becoming very invasive. The internet is useful, but it shouldn’t be introduced into all parts of our lives. Humans have taken modern innovations for granted in many ways. Besides our abuse of industrial and interactive designs, we have also used them in an honorable way as well. For example, we have better medicine and cures for illnesses. Through easier communication, minorities have also been able to fight for a more progressive world society. Modern industrial and interactive design is both beneficial and hurtful. We need to appreciate those who paved the way for advancements. This is why we must avoid using our modern technologies in a way that will hurt us all in the end.

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