Design: The Definitive Visual History

An updated edition of dk’s stunning visual celebration of the world’s most important designs and design movements

Discover the history of design with this gorgeous visual celebration of key pieces, movements, and designers, from the arts and craft movement to the digital age.

Arranged chronologically, design traces the evolution of design from its roots to the present day, from early chairs, pottery, and homewares to cars, graphic design, and product design. It introduces all the key designers, manufacturers, and objects, illustrating how and why different styles emerged and became popular. It also provides a fascinating insight into design movements, showing how each one began and explaining its philosophy and visual style, from the arts and crafts movement to mid-Century modern and contemporary.

Featuring expert analysis, stunning photography, and a huge range of objects both familiar and extraordinary, design explains what makes a truly great design and reveals the hidden stories behind the everyday things all around us.

With profiles of famous designers and manufacturers, such as william morris, the bauhaus, alvar aalto, frank lloyd wright, and vitra, and stunning images of iconic buildings and interiors, it provides a glorious and comprehensive view of classic design across the last two centuries.