The Design Book

The Design Book is a fully revised and expanded edition of Phaidon’s established guide to design. Bringing together more than 500 products from the last five centuries, it offers a wide-ranging survey of objects selected for their innovation, influence and enduring presence, tracing how design has evolved over 500 years.

Structured as a journey through products that have helped shape society and culture, the book considers objects associated with improvements to environments and functionality. Every featured item is illustrated and paired with descriptive text covering the product itself, alongside details of its designer, manufacturer and history. The selection spans iconic works by Le Corbusier, Philippe Starck and the Eames, as well as familiar classics such as the paper clip, the hurricane lantern and the martini glass. This edition also introduces 30 additional products from the last 15 years, curated to reflect contemporary design breakthroughs.

Key details

• Fully revised and expanded edition from Phaidon
• More than 500 products spanning the last five centuries
• Image included for every object featured
• Entries include details of the product, designer, manufacturer and history
• Includes 30 added products from the last 15 years

Synopsis

Surveying more than 500 objects from the past 500 years, The Design Book presents products chosen for their impact on design and everyday life. Each entry combines an image with text outlining key information about the object and its background, including designer, manufacturer and history. The updated edition adds 30 further products from the last 15 years, selected to represent modern design breakthroughs.