Historical Influences in Small Electric Appliance Design: The Case of Turkish Coffee Makers

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Arts and Design, International Balkan University, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Abstract

This study examines the integration of historical influences in the design of small electric appliances, specifically focusing on Turkish coffee makers. By analyzing a range of contemporary Turkish coffee makers, the research explores how traditional motifs, cultural symbolism, and historical references are incorporated into their form, material, and aesthetic features. The study investigates how these elements bridge modern functionality with cultural heritage, emphasizing their role in preserving identity while catering to global markets. For this research, purposive sampling was used to select Turkish companies in the small kitchen appliances sector known for their design properties. Selected designs reveal the subtle ways manufacturers reference Ottoman art, Turkish craftsmanship, and traditional coffee-making methods. The findings highlight the relationship between nostalgia and innovation, as these appliances evolve into symbols of cultural storytelling. This research contributes to the discourse on product design by demonstrating how historical references are represented in the overall design, cultural identity, and the appeal of small appliances

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