Design movements have shaped how we create and think about... Show more
Design & Technology
English Literature
Biology
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
270
•
3 Jan 2026
•
Key Design Movements in AQA Product Design
Lara
@lydiamyst
1 / 5
Design Movement Timeline Overview
You'll need to know these five major design movements and their dates for your AQA exam. Each movement was a reaction to what came before it, creating a fascinating story of rebellion and innovation in design.
The timeline flows from Arts & Crafts (1850-1915) through to Post-modernism (1965-2000), with each period bringing completely different ideas about what good design should look like. Some movements loved decoration and detail, whilst others stripped everything back to the bare essentials.
Remember these AQA-specific dates: Arts & Crafts runs until 1915, Art Deco covers 1920-1939, Modernism spans 1880-1940, and Post-modernism extends from 1965-2000. Getting these dates right will boost your marks straight away.
Quick Tip: Each movement was basically designers saying "we hate what came before us" - this rebellious pattern makes the timeline much easier to remember!
Arts & Crafts Movement (1850-1915)
This British and American movement was all about handmade craftsmanship and totally rejecting the industrial revolution. William Morris led the charge, believing that beautiful, hand-crafted objects were morally superior to mass-produced factory goods.
Think organic materials like wood and textiles, with designs inspired directly by nature. You'll spot Arts & Crafts pieces by their detailed patterns featuring plants, animals, and soft natural colours—everything looked like it could have grown in a garden.
The movement had a strong socialist approach, arguing that both makers and users deserved beautiful, well-made objects. This wasn't just about pretty things—it was a political statement against the dehumanising effects of industrialisation.
Exam Focus: Arts & Crafts opposed machinery and industrialism—this key conflict often appears in exam questions about the movement's motivations.
Art Deco (1910-1940)
Art Deco screamed luxury and glamour, starting in France but absolutely exploding in 1920s America. This movement was the complete opposite of Arts & Crafts—it embraced the modern world with bold geometric patterns and seriously rich colours.
Picture the Chrysler Building in New York with its metallic curves and layered shapes—that's classic Art Deco architecture. The style loved repeating geometric patterns, especially diamonds and triangles, all arranged with perfect symmetry.
Everything about Art Deco was intricate and luxurious—from the bold geometry to the emphasis on rich materials and sophisticated craftsmanship. This wasn't subtle design; it was meant to show off and make a statement about modern life's possibilities.
Remember: Art Deco = geometric, bold, symmetrical, and absolutely dripping with luxury—perfect for the roaring twenties!
Modernism (1880-1940)
Modernism stripped everything back to basics—sleek, streamlined, and minimal became the new beautiful. This movement completely rejected the organic, decorative styles that came before, promoting clean geometric shapes and eliminating any unnecessary decoration.
The Bauhaus design school in Germany, led by designers like Marcel Breuer, spread modernist beliefs across the Western world. Cities rebuilding after WWI provided the perfect opportunity to implement these revolutionary ideas about functional, beautiful design.
New materials like tubular steel, reinforced concrete, glass, and plywood allowed designers to create forms that had never been possible before. Everything was about function first—if it didn't serve a purpose, it didn't belong.
Key Point: Modernism developed rapidly after WWI when entire cities needed rebuilding—this context explains why the movement spread so quickly.
Post-modernism (1965-2000)
Post-modernism basically looked at Modernism and said "boring!"—bringing back bold colours, decoration, and playful asymmetry with a vengeance. Led by movements like Memphis (founded by Ettore Sottsass), designers embraced "more is more" as their battle cry.
This movement was deliberately anti-authoritarian and "democratic"—it rejected the idea that design should follow strict rules or be limited to certain styles. Post-modern designers mixed different periods, colours, and forms however they fancied.
Expect to see exaggerated forms, abstract shapes, and loads of decorative elements that would have made Modernist designers weep. The main focus shifted back to aesthetics and visual impact rather than pure function—design became fun again.
Exam Insight: Post-modernism emerged as a direct reaction against Modernism's restrictions—understanding this relationship is crucial for comparison questions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Design & Technology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Key Design Movements in AQA Product Design
Lara
@lydiamyst
Design movements have shaped how we create and think about everything from furniture to buildings throughout history. Understanding these key periods—from the handcrafted beauty of Arts & Crafts to the bold rebellion of Post-modernism—will help you recognise different design styles... Show more
Design Movement Timeline Overview
You'll need to know these five major design movements and their dates for your AQA exam. Each movement was a reaction to what came before it, creating a fascinating story of rebellion and innovation in design.
The timeline flows from Arts & Crafts (1850-1915) through to Post-modernism (1965-2000), with each period bringing completely different ideas about what good design should look like. Some movements loved decoration and detail, whilst others stripped everything back to the bare essentials.
Remember these AQA-specific dates: Arts & Crafts runs until 1915, Art Deco covers 1920-1939, Modernism spans 1880-1940, and Post-modernism extends from 1965-2000. Getting these dates right will boost your marks straight away.
Quick Tip: Each movement was basically designers saying "we hate what came before us" - this rebellious pattern makes the timeline much easier to remember!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Arts & Crafts Movement (1850-1915)
This British and American movement was all about handmade craftsmanship and totally rejecting the industrial revolution. William Morris led the charge, believing that beautiful, hand-crafted objects were morally superior to mass-produced factory goods.
Think organic materials like wood and textiles, with designs inspired directly by nature. You'll spot Arts & Crafts pieces by their detailed patterns featuring plants, animals, and soft natural colours—everything looked like it could have grown in a garden.
The movement had a strong socialist approach, arguing that both makers and users deserved beautiful, well-made objects. This wasn't just about pretty things—it was a political statement against the dehumanising effects of industrialisation.
Exam Focus: Arts & Crafts opposed machinery and industrialism—this key conflict often appears in exam questions about the movement's motivations.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Art Deco (1910-1940)
Art Deco screamed luxury and glamour, starting in France but absolutely exploding in 1920s America. This movement was the complete opposite of Arts & Crafts—it embraced the modern world with bold geometric patterns and seriously rich colours.
Picture the Chrysler Building in New York with its metallic curves and layered shapes—that's classic Art Deco architecture. The style loved repeating geometric patterns, especially diamonds and triangles, all arranged with perfect symmetry.
Everything about Art Deco was intricate and luxurious—from the bold geometry to the emphasis on rich materials and sophisticated craftsmanship. This wasn't subtle design; it was meant to show off and make a statement about modern life's possibilities.
Remember: Art Deco = geometric, bold, symmetrical, and absolutely dripping with luxury—perfect for the roaring twenties!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Modernism (1880-1940)
Modernism stripped everything back to basics—sleek, streamlined, and minimal became the new beautiful. This movement completely rejected the organic, decorative styles that came before, promoting clean geometric shapes and eliminating any unnecessary decoration.
The Bauhaus design school in Germany, led by designers like Marcel Breuer, spread modernist beliefs across the Western world. Cities rebuilding after WWI provided the perfect opportunity to implement these revolutionary ideas about functional, beautiful design.
New materials like tubular steel, reinforced concrete, glass, and plywood allowed designers to create forms that had never been possible before. Everything was about function first—if it didn't serve a purpose, it didn't belong.
Key Point: Modernism developed rapidly after WWI when entire cities needed rebuilding—this context explains why the movement spread so quickly.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Post-modernism (1965-2000)
Post-modernism basically looked at Modernism and said "boring!"—bringing back bold colours, decoration, and playful asymmetry with a vengeance. Led by movements like Memphis (founded by Ettore Sottsass), designers embraced "more is more" as their battle cry.
This movement was deliberately anti-authoritarian and "democratic"—it rejected the idea that design should follow strict rules or be limited to certain styles. Post-modern designers mixed different periods, colours, and forms however they fancied.
Expect to see exaggerated forms, abstract shapes, and loads of decorative elements that would have made Modernist designers weep. The main focus shifted back to aesthetics and visual impact rather than pure function—design became fun again.
Exam Insight: Post-modernism emerged as a direct reaction against Modernism's restrictions—understanding this relationship is crucial for comparison questions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in Design & Technology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user