From the end of the 19th century to the present day, the connection between products and social changes becomes clear. The arc spans from historicizing decorative design to functionalism influenced by ergonomic aspects to an increasingly customer-oriented design after the Second World War.

The royal ships of Baden and Württemberg in the 19th century form the prelude, whose traditional design continues into the 20th century in the interiors of Zeppelin airships, Dornier airplanes and Maybach automobiles. Political and social changes as well as industrial and technical progress promoted functionalist models after the First World War.

After 1945, simple products were initially manufactured. However, attempts were also made to resume the development of luxury products and representative vehicles. Variable modular systems such as the ZF Champion small car were new. From 1955 onwards, increasingly customer-oriented product programs were developed according to new marketing aspects.

The exhibition, which will be accompanied by a comprehensive book, is the result of many years of preparatory work by the Technical Design research and teaching department at the University of Stuttgart and was created with the support of the following sponsors:

Dornier GmbH
MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart
City of Friedrichshafen
VDI - represented by the Lake Constance district association
Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH, Friedrichshafen
ZF Friedrichshafen AG

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