Coming out of school, I realize I’m not as knowledgeable as I’d like to be in design history. I would like suggestions for books on the subject. I’d prefer books that focus on ID rather than other areas such as Visual Communication, but a general overview of larger trends would definitely help. Also, I am interested in the evolving landscape of design research. Any books or articles that would provide a good overview of the last few decades in that realm would be greatly appreciated as well.
"Design: Intelligence Made Visible’ by Stephen Bayley and Terence Conran
I really like this book. Big and glossy but with lots of text. First part is a design history from around the start of the Industrial Revolution (the Great Exhibition, Wedgewood etc.), second part is an A-Z of designers, products, movements etc.
The Phaidon books are good, Penny Sparke has lots of good books, including the book of the recent TV show “Genius of Design”.
Well if Yo is going to promote Loewy, it’s my duty to promote Dreyfuss.
This subject was asked recently on this thread about by yours-truly, and didn’t get much response. So I created a new thread asking about what Design Textbooks were considered required reading in schools today.
So check those out. But anyway, the best design-history book I’ve seen lately is Designing Interactions by distinguished Industrial Designer (and now Core77 contributor!) Bill Moggridge. Although it’s focus is on the emerging discipline of Interaction Design beginning in the 1970’s.
And definitely look at the Phaidon Design Classics, which include 999 design classics throughout time. This is just a great series to have on your bookshelf. There’s also an electronic iPad version.
Lastly The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley does a good job of hi-lighting IDEO’s process over the years, and I think gives you a good overview of how most design firms approach projects these days.
Thank you all for the suggestions. I’ve ordered a few and will probably come back for more. I remember seeing the Phaidon books around places I’ve interviewed. Too expensive for me right now, though!
Can anyone suggest material that focuses on design research? I’m especially interested in the past decade and current trends. If there is a good online resource for this kind of stuff, let me know. I don’t mean to pester you guys!
It is written by a German professor, Bernhard E. Burdek - and although the book tends to gravitate toward German design standards, it still includes a ton of information relating to design of all cultures.