The Design Book

From function to form – the ideas and inventiveness that shape our world.

Discover the key ideas, innovations, and breakthroughs in the history of design.

The perfect introduction to the subject, this book explores and explains the big ideas and key principles behind more than 90 celebrated design concepts and movements, placing each in their historical, cultural, and stylistic context.

The Design Book analyses the ideas and principles behind the design of pioneering products, information systems, and environments, exploring how creativity and innovation shape our lives. Tracing the evolution of design from ancient times, through early manufacturing to the cutting-edge concepts of the 21st-century, entries profile the individuals and manufacturers behind each ground-breaking development, and explore their influences and inspirations.

Illustrating how and why different styles emerged and became popular, the book provides a fascinating insight into design movements, showing how each one began and describing its philosophy and visual style, from the Aesthetic Movement to Mid-century Modern and contemporary Parametricism.

Using the Big Ideas series' trademark combination of clear explanation, witty infographics, and inspirational quotes, The Design Book explains what makes a truly great design and reveals the hidden stories behind the designed world.