Domestic Technology | Overview & Evolution | Impact

Domestic Technology

 Overview 

Household work was transformed by new technologies during the first half of the twentieth century. Some machines were intended to automate work that servants used to do, while others took advantage of new sources of energy such as electricity and gas to make homes cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Technological innovations such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ranges were first available only to the wealthy, but after the end of World War II household appliances became widely affordable. Household appliances have not eliminated time or effort spent on domestic chores, but they have helped dramatically raise the general standard of household comfort and convenience.Domestic technology 

Domestic technology is the incorporation of applied science into the home. There are multiple aspects of domestic technology. On one level, there are home appliances, home automation and other devices commonly used in the home, such as clothes dryers and washing machines.

On another level, domestic technology recognizes the use of applied science to construct homes to achieve a particular goal, such as energy efficiency or self-sufficiency. For more information, read about self-sufficient homes. It has been claimed that domestic technology has led to decreases in the time people spend on household work, although the factual basis of this claim is disputed.

Sewing machine

One of the most important home technologies of the early part of the twentieth century had nearly disappeared by its end: the sewing machine. Early sewing machines were powered by pedals or trestles that the operator pumped with her feet. This was tiring work, and made machine sewing often seem a greater chore than simply sewing by hand. Singer, the world's largest sewing machine manufacturer, introduced a fully electric model in 1921, and the popularity of sewing machines for the home soared. These machines made basic sewing chores much easier, and also performed elaborate specialized stitching previously beyond the reach of domestic sewing. The popularity of sewing machines began to decline after World War II, however, as inexpensive clothes and household linens became widely available for purchase and made home sewing unnecessary.

Domestic Technology: Get to Know Our Everyday Technology

Domestic technology refers to the tools, appliances, and equipment used in and around the home to make tasks easier, more efficient, and more comfortable. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, from simple hand tools and utensils to complex machines and smart devices.

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that domestic technology will become even more integrated into our homes and daily lives, making our homes more comfortable, convenient, and efficient.

Evolution of Domestic Technology

Pre-Industrial Revolution: Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most domestic tasks were done manually, using basic tools and equipment. For example, cooking was done over an open flame, cleaning was done with brooms and mops, and clothes were washed by hand.

Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in domestic technology. For example, the invention of the steam engine made it possible to power machines that could perform tasks more efficiently than manual labor. This led to the development of the first washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and sewing machines.

Early 20th century: In the early 20th century, electricity became widely available in homes, leading to the development of new domestic technologies such as refrigerators, electric stoves, and radios.

Mid-20th century: In the mid-20th century, the development of plastics and other synthetic materials led to the creation of a wide range of new domestic technologies, including Tupperware containers, vinyl flooring, and synthetic fabrics.

Late 20th century: In the late 20th century, the rise of computers and the internet led to the development of new domestic technologies such as home automation systems, smart appliances, and home entertainment systems.

21st century: In the 21st century, domestic technology has continued to evolve rapidly, with the development of new technologies such as voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and home security systems that can be controlled remotely from a smartphone or computer.

Categories of Domestic Technology

Kitchen technology

It refers to the tools, appliances, and equipment used in the kitchen for cooking, baking, food preparation, and storage. Here are some examples of kitchen technology:

Cooking appliances: This includes a range of appliances such as ovens, stovetops, microwaves, and induction cooktops.

Food preparation appliances: This includes a range of appliances such as blenders, food processors, mixers, choppers, and grinders.

Refrigeration and storage appliances: This includes refrigerators, freezers, and various types of storage containers.

Dishwashers: These appliances help clean dishes and utensils efficiently and quickly.

Specialty appliances: This includes appliances that are designed for specific tasks such as coffee makers, juicers, bread makers, and ice cream makers.

Cleaning Technology

It refers to the tools, equipment, and appliances used for cleaning and maintaining the home. Examples of cleaning technology includes:

Vacuum cleaners: These appliances use suction to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from carpets, floors, and other surfaces.

Steam cleaners: These appliances use high-pressure steam to clean and sanitize floors, carpets, and other surfaces.

Washing machines and dryers: These appliances are used to clean and dry clothes, towels, and other fabrics.

Dishwashers: These appliances clean dishes and utensils efficiently and quickly.

Robotic cleaners: These are autonomous robots that are programmed to clean the floors and other surfaces without human intervention.

Air purifiers: These appliances clean the air by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Smart cleaning devices: These are connected devices that allow users to control and monitor the appliances remotely using a smartphone or tablet.

 

Home Entertainment Technology

It refers to the devices and equipment used for entertainment in the home, such as televisions, gaming consoles, and sound systems. Examples of home entertainment technology includes:

Televisions: Modern televisions are available in a range of sizes, resolutions, and technologies such as LED, OLED, and QLED.

Streaming devices: These devices allow users to access online video and audio content on their television.

Gaming consoles: These devices are designed for playing video games and offer a range of features such as high-quality graphics, immersive audio, and online multiplayer capabilities.

Sound systems: These are devices used for listening to music and other audio content. Examples of sound systems include home theater systems, soundbars, and wireless speakers.

Impact

These new technologies changed life and work at home, but not always in the manner they promised. Many, if not most, new devices for the home were marketed to prospective consumers with the promise of saving effort and of making housework more efficient. While some manual labor was saved (for example, it was physically easier to wash laundry in an electric machine than in one with a hand crank), little time was saved by the new inventions. Household technology did not give women the freedom to do other things besides housework; in fact, by providing machines to do work such as laundry in the home rather than outside of it, many sociological opportunities to reduce housework were lost. The net effect of fewer servants, fewer services like home deliveries, and more household machines left middle and upper class women doing more housework in the middle of the twentieth century than they had been doing at its start.