Architecture played a very significant role in minimalist expression. De Stijl a Dutch movement in 1917 became the real source of inspiration through its Neoplastic Theory. ‘Basic elements’ became the canon of a new aesthetic appreciation.

Piet Mondrian’s theory and work on Pure Plastic Art became the inspiration in Industrial Design. The modern product designs are highly influenced by the Neoclassicism movement the movement that led to Minimalism. Minimalism has perfectly harmonized with the modern Industrial Design policy. The spirit of ‘mass production’ envisages making it is affordable, easy to manufacture and servicing, easy to transport and packaging. Obviously ‘Straight Line’ truly matched with the spirit of 20th Century Industrial Design.
(Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl ; June 4, 2012)

The question arises the proposed theory of Neoplastic Art had its merit in art that had continuity from the earlier art movements. However, the Industrial Design of 20th century quickly adopted the same style because of the production point of view. The new style of Minimalism totally abandoned the earlier decorative style (Rococo and Baroque). Naturally the over-burdened decorative motifs of the earlier style reached to its saturation and the new aesthetic beauty of straight line became new language of Industrial Design. Hence, adoption of Minimalistic style became quite convenient and appropriate for 20th C design. One needs to realize nature does not produce anything in ‘straight line’. Introduction of straight line in design is a man-made style that is closely associated with commerce.

Thus Minimalism has become strong tool for efficient, effective profitable manufacturing process. It is time for us to think if proper synthesis of decorative quality with minimalistic principle could create a richer quality design (Classical style). Do we need to revisit and think a new course of creative design through a balanced synthesis of elements of line, form and color? 

Theo Van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian is the proponent of a Utopian Ideal of ‘spiritual harmony and order’. “They advocated pure abstraction and universality by a reduction to the essentials of form and colour; they simplified visual compositions to the vertical and horizontal directions, and used only primary colors along with black and white” (Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl).

The philosophy of essential form and color attributed to a new inspiration not only in the art for but also in Industrial Design. The Bauhaus became the cauldron of Neoplastic Art and Design philosophy.  It resulted in finding a new form of aesthetic beauty through ‘straight line’. Naturally such philosophy greatly influenced the field of Industrial Design.