Design Stories: Exploring Everyday Things

From Household to Beauty: A Brief History of GE

When examining the production of the General Electric Hair Dryer, it is important to consider the company’s long history of technological innovation and manufacturing. The General Electric Company was incorporated in 1892 and became known for revolutionizing existing industries by introducing advanced technologies that shifted perspectives and set new standards (Montevirgen 2007). In 1947, General Electric introduced automatic laundry machines, which marked a significant advancement when it came to household appliances. By 1955, General Electric had expanded to supply locomotives to Union Pacific (General Electric n.d.). 

General Electric was a well known dominant force in household appliances, and later expand their brand to creating tools for women’s personal care. Throughout the 1960s, the company became a major manufacturer of hairdryers, designing models which eventually became known for their durability, as well as their more modern design with innovative features. It was crucial for General Electric to prioritize safety by designing hair dryers with motors enclosed within the casing, which would reduce the risk of electrical hazards for users (CultureNL Museums n.d.). During the 1950s and 60s, bonnet hair dryers like this GE model gained popularity because they allowed for even heat distribution across the head (CultureNL Museums n.d.). Continuing into the late 19th century, General Electric eventually ventured into laser development in 1962 (CultureNL Museums n.d.).

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