The Design Book

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

This book is the perfect introduction to the subject. It explores and explains the big ideas and key principles behind more than 90 celebrated design concepts and movements, placing each in its 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.

In this book, you will find:

The evolution of design from ancient times, through early manufacturing to the cutting-edge concepts of the 21st-century
Profiles of the individuals and manufacturers behind each ground-breaking development and
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. It reveals the hidden stories behind the designed world.