-
Period: to
Premodern (Early 1900s)
Electricity is rarely in homes (newly introduced) -
Period: to
Era one (1900-1930s)
Health, sanitation, hygiene, and the importance of household production as a legitimate form of economic production. -
Engine-powered Vacuum
In 1901 powered vacuum cleaners using suction were invented independently by British engineer Hubert Cecil Booth and American inventor David T. Kenney. It was a large machine that had to be kept outside whatever building it was cleaning, but it was the first to suck the dirt up rather than sweep or dust it away. This greatly enhances the cleanliness of homes and is easy on the homebody because it is similar to a cleaning service. -
Practical Domestic Vacuum
James Spangler creates the "electric suction-sweeper," the first practical domestic vacuum cleaner. It is unsuccessful, and he sells the rights to his relative, William Hoover. This is essential to the family because it brings a simpler form into the home. As we can tell by his name, William Hoover was very successful in perfecting, yet always evolving, the domestic vacuum. -
Toaster
The first commercially successful electric toaster was introduced by General Electric when Frank Shailor patented his idea for the GE model D-12. This brings a new form of cooking into the kitchen and changed how families shop for, prepare, and eat their meals. -
Refrigerator for Homes
The first refrigerator for home use was invented by Fred W. Wolf of Fort Wayne. It consisted of a small unit mounted on top of an old-fashioned icebox and requiring external plumbing connections. This completely changes what families can prepare at home. If food lasts longer, then families can spend less time grocery shopping. Advancement of refrigeration changes the food industry completely. -
Electric Dishwasher
The first electric dishwasher to go on the market is created by the Walker brothers of Philadelphia. This aids in the clean-up process after meals. It may make it easier for children to help. It also gave the wife more time for a different task or enjoyment of some sort. -
Automatic Pop-up Toaster
Charles Strite created the first automatic pop-up toaster using a clockwork mechanism. It hit the market in 1926 named the Toastmaster. This simplifies the toaster and makes it safer to use. Efficiency is key. Toastmaster is still a major company today. -
Garbage Disposal
John W. Hammes created the first garbage disposal which gets the nickname of "electric pig" when introduced to the Emerson Electric Company. This aids in kitchen clean-up and gave the wife more time to do other things. It also created the need for a new line of products to clean garbage disposals. It is now in almost every kitchen sink. -
Bendix Washer (mid 1930s)
John W. Chamberlain of Bendix Aviation Corporation created the first washing machine that washes, rinses, and extracts water from clothes in a single operation. This is huge for laundry. Before this, washing clothes was still a long and tedious chore. This took all the work off of our hands and did three separate acts in one single operation. It is a huge help to the person cleaning the household. -
Period: to
Era two (1940s and early 1950s)
Household equipment, efficiency, step saving, task simplification, and standardized work units. -
Microwave
Percy Spencer discovered the vacuum tube can melt candy, pop corn, and cook an egg. This led to the "Radarange" which was first sold in 1946. The microwave is a huge discovery for the kitchen. This gives society the option to make their food in a convenient and faster way than ever before. -
Top-loading Automatic Washer
Sears markets the first top-loading automatic washer under the Kenmore label. It sold for $239.95 per appliance. With the washing machine being top-loading, it is easier on the washer's back. An automatic machine is much more efficient to use than the Bendix. -
Period: to
Modern (1950s)
Electricity is in over 80% of homes -
Period: to
Era three (1950s to 1960s)
Family values, goals, standards, resources, decision making, organization and process, optimization of families, gradual swing away form work performance in the home. -
Automatic Coffeepot
Russell Hobbs invents the CP1. The percolator regulates the strength of the coffee according to taste and has a green warning light and bimetallic strip that automatically cuts out when the coffee is perked. Having a automatic coffeepot makes it more likely that families will make their coffee at home. It will also be easier and quicker for restaurants to provide for their customers. -
FM/AM Radio
This Silvertone FM/AM table radio had a duel speaker, AM-FM turner, and dials that lit up so you could pinpoint your station. It also had built in antennas and came in two colors. This invention allowed families to listen to music, games, and entertainment in their homes instead of just their cars. -
12 Speed Mixer
The speed mixer was one of the greatest kitchen inventions. The 1950s housewife no longer had to use a hand-mixer and beater. They now had the choice between twelve different speeds backed by 150-watt power. Baking is easier, quicker and more fun! -
Electric Can Openers
Electric openers were re-introduced (after failure in the 1930s) in 1956 by two Californian companies. Klassen Enterprises of Centreville brought out a wall-mounted electric model, but this complex design was unpopular too. The same year, Walter Hess Bodle invented a freestanding device, combining an electric can opener and knife sharpener, which found immediate success. An electric can opener allows the family to rid their homes of those hand-held can openers and never twist them off again. -
Spray Mist on Irons
Sunbeam updates the S-5A model by adding "spray mist" to the steam and dry functions. This decreases the need for families to use professional cleaners and makes it simpler to iron and press clothes at home. -
Self-Cleaning Oven
General Electric introduces the self-cleaning electric oven and in 1967 the first electronic oven control. This began the revolution that would see microprocessors incorporated into all sorts of household appliances. This helps speed up clean-up time in the kitchen. -
Period: to
Era four (1970s to 1980s)
Development of a systems framework emphasizing the interconnections among family, home, and the greater society. -
Mr. Coffee
Sunbeam creates the first percolator with an automatic drip process and automatic cut-off control that lessens the danger of over-brewing. Mr. Coffee quickly takes over the market as the leading coffeemaker. This helps prevent fires or the coffee burning through the auto cut-off control. IT makes the process quicker and safer for the home. -
Electric Sewing Machine
The world's first electric sewing machine, the Athena 2000, is able to create a wide variety of stitches. Basic straight stitches to complicated decorative are now available at the touch of a button. This greatly changes the process of making clothes and other fabric creations. It makes it easier to complete at home, therefore more likely that sewing will happen in the home again. -
Environmentally Friendly Laundry
The 1990s bring about environmentally friendly washers and dryers that save water and conserve energy. The horizontal-axis washer tumbles the clothes and uses a smaller amount of water. A new dryer with sensors shuts the appliance off when the clothes are dry. This brings social and ecological change into the home. It is the start of "going green." Energy efficient laundry is not the norm. -
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Prototype
Electrolux presents the first prototype of a robotic vacuum cleaner. The Swedish appliance company creates what is known as "the world’s first true domestic robot." This instantly takes a chore off the hands of the housekeeper in the home. Sweeping and vacuuming is now a thing of the past. -
USB Flashdrive
USB flash drives were invented at M-Systems, an Israeli company, in 1999 and was first sold by IBM in 8MB capacity starting December 15, 2000. This is huge for business workers, students, etc. It is vital as the Internet and use of technology continues to expand. -
Bluetooth Headset
Bluetooth formed in 1998. In 2000, the first phone with Bluetooth was made and the first Bluetooth headset was shipped. This is a major reflection of our society as they explore deeper into technology. You can now have a hands-free conversation while you are on the go. -
DVR
In late 2000, Philips Electronics introduced the DSR6000, the first DirecTV receiver with an integrated TiVo DVR. This enables families to watch their favorite things at their own convenience. You no longer have to watch your favorite show whenever it is scheduled. -
Period: to
Postmodern (Early 21st Century)
Electricity is in nearly all homes and the main source of lighting -
Double-sealed Window Unit
As part of the drive to reduce fuel bills by improving the energy efficiency of windows, the double-glazing sealed unit was developed. The double glazing sealed unit has a moisture absorbent seal between two panes. This lowers energy and gas bills for families. -
Automatic Hand Dryer
. XLERATOR® hand dryers debuted in 2001 and dries hands completely in 10 to 15 seconds. Not only does the XLERATOR® get the job done quickly, 3 times faster than conventional dryers, it also uses 80% less energy. The invention of the hand dryer was not utilized greatly by households, but is seen throughout other areas of society. It is cost efficient by cutting down the need for paper towels and is also more sanitary -
Tempur-Pedic Mattress
The first Tempur-Pedic mattress was introduced by Fagerdala World Foams, a Swedish technical foam firm. Tempur-Pedic International, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of mattresses and pillows made from viscoelastic foam. This innovation aids in the quality of sleep. It helps families feel more rested and therefore lead more successful lives. I have never had one, but would really love to get one some day. -
Apple Airport Express
The Airport Express allowed individuals to stream from anywhere in the house and to even print wirelessly. This allows the household to work or play with technology from anywhere in the home. It is convenient and comfortable. -
Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones
Bose first made noise-reducing earphones available for sales to public in 1989. In 2006, Bose released the QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, the company's first pair of on-ear headphones. These provided users with greater passive noise isolation and comfort from the memory foam. It helps passengers of public transportation or in crowded areas get some rest or focus on their work. -
HIgh Speed Internet
High speed internet completely altered the WWW. Dial-up is now a thing of the past. Quicker searches results in less time spent on work. Technology continues to advance as we more forward. -
WiFi Hotspot
WiFi has been apart of society since the 1990s. The idea of a mobile WiFi (hotspot) is still relevantly new. Not only can we have wireless internet, but we can now access it at any place from our phones.
