Example design dissertation topic 6:

Iconic industrial designs: An evaluation of the KitchenAid.

The KitchenAid 5 qt. Stand Mixer was designed in 1937 by Egmont Arens. It remains a highly desirable kitchen appliance not only for its durability and product excellence but also because of its classic design and good looks. It is now available in a range of colours including the original black. This dissertation not only charts the history of the brand but also asks ‘what makes a brand design iconic’. In so doing it uses not only existing secondary literature but also interviews KitchenAid users as well as those who aspire to buy the product.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Vossoughi, S. (2007). ‘The best strategy is the right strategy’, Design Management Review, Vol. 18, pp. 73-80.
• Walton, T. (2007). ‘Insights at the nexus of design and business success’, Design Management Review, Vol. 18, pp. 6-9.
• Rollins, N. (2004). ‘Mixing it up: Maytag and Fitch innovate kitchen products and best practices’, Design Management Review, Vol. 15, pp. 20-25.