The Design Book
by Phaidon
A compact survey of influential designed objects, showing how products, tools, and furniture shaped modern life.
Phaidon · 2013 · 544 pages · ISBN 9780714865799
Topics: Design History, Product Design
[ Purchase this book ]
Purchase this book
Why it matters
The Design Book belongs in Design Books because it uses iconic objects to show how design decisions travel through culture, production, and daily use. It helps readers connect Design History, Product Design to the choices they make in real design work.
Best for
Best for designers who want historical reference and context; product designers, founders, and product teams. The book is useful when you want reference material that improves judgment without changing the visual shape of your work.
What you'll learn
You will come away with reference points that make current design choices easier to judge; more useful products and clearer experience decisions. The value is not just inspiration; it is a stronger vocabulary for critique, selection, and follow-through.


