What is design? What lies behind terms and labels such as Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, or Postmodernism? What factors have influenced the design of industrial products throughout history? Design historian Thomas Hauffe provides a contemporary and easily understandable overview of the international history of design from the early industrialization to the present in this extensive and richly illustrated volume. He highlights connections and offers striking examples, from classics like the Thonet Chair No. 14 or the tubular steel furniture of the Bauhaus era to the cult objects of our time such as the iPhone, sneakers, or tablet computers. He not only discusses well-known design icons but also everyday objects that are widely used, such as shopping carts, Lego bricks, or paper clips. A design history that captures the historical context.