← Design Studies syllabus

SingaporeDesign Studies

Design History and Movements

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do Art Nouveau and Art Deco differ in their look and ideas, and how do you tell them apart?

Compare the visual characteristics and values of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and recognise each style in design
A focused answer on Art Nouveau and Art Deco for O-Level Design Studies. The flowing organic forms of Art Nouveau, the bold geometry and glamour of Art Deco, how to tell them apart, and their influence.
8 min answer →

Why did the Arts and Crafts movement reject industrial production, and what did it value instead?

Explain the origins, values and visual characteristics of the Arts and Crafts movement and its influence on later design
A focused answer on the Arts and Crafts movement for O-Level Design Studies. Its reaction against industrialisation, the value of handcraft and honest materials, its visual characteristics, and its influence on later design.
8 min answer →

What did the Bauhaus and Modernism believe good design should be, and why does 'form follows function' matter?

Explain the principles and visual characteristics of the Bauhaus and Modernism, including 'form follows function', and their influence on modern design
A focused answer on the Bauhaus and Modernism for O-Level Design Studies. Form follows function, the union of art and industry, minimalism and geometry, and the lasting influence on modern design.
9 min answer →

How does design respond to Singapore's culture, environment and needs, and what makes design 'local'?

Discuss how design responds to local culture, climate and identity in the Singapore context, including signage, public housing and national identity
A focused answer on design in the Singapore context for O-Level Design Studies. How design responds to local culture, multilingual needs, tropical climate and national identity, with public examples described in original terms.
8 min answer →

Why did designers rebel against Modernist rules, and what does Postmodern and contemporary design look like?

Explain how Postmodernism reacted against Modernism and describe the characteristics of Postmodern and contemporary design
A focused answer on Postmodernism for O-Level Design Studies. The reaction against Modernist rules, playfulness, decoration, eclecticism and irony, and the move into digital and contemporary design.
8 min answer →

Why does so much modern graphic design use grids, sans serif type and clean layouts, and where did that come from?

Explain the principles of Swiss Style (the International Typographic Style) - grids, sans serif type, objective clarity - and its influence on graphic design
A focused answer on Swiss Style for O-Level Design Studies. The grid system, sans serif typefaces, asymmetric layout, objective clarity, and the lasting influence of the International Typographic Style on graphic design.
8 min answer →