Industrial Design A–Z

by Charlotte Fiell (Editor), Peter Fiell (Editor)

If you take even the slightest interest in the design of your toothbrush, the history behind your washing machine, or the evolution of the telephone, you’ll take an even greater interest in this completely updated edition of Industrial Design A–Z. Tracing the evolution of industrial design from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, the book bursts with synergies of form and function that transform our daily experience. From cameras to kitchenware, Lego to Lamborghini, we meet the individual designers, the global businesses, and above all the genius products that become integrated into even the smallest details of our lives. Alongside star designers like Marc Newson and Philippe Starck and major global brands like Braun and Apple, lesser-known and newcomer entries such as Brompton Bicycles and Enercon wind turbines attest to product design’s restless pace, as well as to today’s most pressing challenges and priorities to which it must turn its creative invention. About the series Bibliotheca Universalis — Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe!

Genres: Design, Art, Art Design, Nonfiction, Reference

613 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2000

About the author

Charlotte Fiell is a leading authority on the history, theory and criticism of design and, to date, has written 60 books on the subject.

Charlotte initially studied at Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and then later at the British Institute in Florence. She subsequently took a BA(Hons) degree in the History of Drawing and Printmaking with Material Science at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), London. Following on from this, she trained at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.

Reviews

[Ali Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great collection of Industrial Design history.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good look at "some" of the history of industrial design - Way TOO androcentric

[Lukas Sabaliauskas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge overview, presumed as the encyclopedia through the history of industrial design by starting to the 19th century. In summary, most suitable for general perception. However, it's not that engaging for casual reading, but most likely to perceive random facts.

[Andy Alt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small encyclopedia of designers and teams who have helped shape our culture through visionary products. My go-to book for design inspiration. Happy flipping!

[João Moura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma enciclopédia genérica do design industrial, com os grandes nomes de A a Z, desde a revolução industrial aos dias de hoje.
Quem desenhou os primeiros aviões? O famoso autocarro vermelho de 2 andares de Londres? O gigante zeppelin que se despenhou em New Jersey? O primeiro computador, máquina de escrever, calculadora portátil, fotocopiadora?
O livro dispara datas e factos a toda a hora, dando muito destaque a automóveis e eletrodomésticos. Um pouco mais de curiosidades e estórias, de como as pessoas chegam ao que conseguem, em vez de simplesmente arrotar datas e acontecimentos, tornariam este livre excelente.

[Aaron Ambrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mixed feelings about this book. The topic is right up my alley, and in some ways this is a rich catalog of notable design and manufacturing artistry, with thousands of gorgeous photos and illustrations. But the text is flat and often disjointed, artless, and surprisingly full of typos and errors. With better writing, this could soar. An interesting but compromised experience.

[Angtburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and informative collection of industrial design in products over the centuries.

[Santiago Feijoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great that makes you realize how many innovation happen in the last 300 hundred years of the humanity. And also, how invest in research can take to the next level, almost all the the companies and personalities mention on the book have that in common.

[RW Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great selection of industrial design, mainly from the late 19th century to early 21st century. The book is nicely broken down, firstly by designers and firms, then themes and materials, and also features some very interesting case studies. This was a great book to have knocking about while at university, given me quick access to essential design knowledge.