Final answer:
Investigations into nanotechnology and agricultural advancements have led to radical design changes like the miniaturization of electronic devices and improved crop yields, enhancing global communication and increasing accessibility to consumer goods, which have improved the quality of life significantly.
Step-by-step explanation:
One investigation that led to radically new designs improving the quality of life is the development of nanotechnology and the resulting miniaturization in the electronics industry. For instance, the invention of devices like the iPhone and smaller, more powerful computers has transformed global communications, especially in remote areas without preexisting phone systems. Moreover, the green revolution in the 1960s and 1970s introduced new agricultural technologies, significantly increasing productivity and farmer incomes, thus improving the well-being of numerous people. Similarly, the automation of manufacturing processes has made luxury items more accessible to the broader public, enhancing the quality of life.