Pourquoi est-ce un chef-d'oeuvre ? : 80 objets design expliqués

by Susie Hodge

Why are some designs more successful and influential than others? WHAT MAKES GREAT DESIGN showcases eighty exceptional creations, from the Polaroid Land camera and the Sony Walkman to the Coca- Cola bottle and Converse All Stars. Featuring designers as diverse as Le Corbusier, Dieter Rams and Philippe Starck, this insightful book highlights the elements of each design that distinguish it from its peers. Whether it is the functionality of Walter Hunt’s safety pin from 1849, the innovative use of materials in a Louis Vuitton trunk or the aesthetic appeal of a René Lalique vase, the book explains why these designs have stood the test of time. WHAT MAKES GREAT DESIGN will open your eyes to the defining qualities of the enduring product designs that have become an essential part of our everyday lives.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2014

Reviews

[Ian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good little book briefly covering various different kinds of classic iconic design, some obvious (Wassily chair, swiss army knife, William Morris fabric), some I hadn't given much thought to (Coca-Cola bottle, safety pin). Each item gets a two page spread including illustrative photos, general background and history, and some justification of what makes it great design. The text, though brief, is generally very informative and packs in a fair bit of info.

I did enjoy seeing a few things I own listed there too (Panton chair, Juicy Salif citrus squeezer), and it made me consider and covet a few things I had overlooked before (Swatch watches, Kikkoman soy sauce bottle).

An interesting selection of subjects, engagingly covered.

[Micaela Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es muy interesante para comenzar a adquirir cultura del diseño.

[Katarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

80 masterpieces are presented, I wouldn't say explained. It's very factual, which is interesting in itself. It doesn't provide broader context about the works and their significance.

[Vincent Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is light and simple to read for those who are new to design. It covers a comprehensive range of new and old classic product designs, though I personally felt that the author had included far more chairs than it should have. Surprisingly, the wheelchair somehow didn't make the cut. I also thought the author could have communicated her key themes better by having a quick introduction before jumping straight into the items itself.

Nonetheless, "What Makes Great Design" had been a fun and delightful read. I will recommend this to any one who has a keen interest in design, but do not want to be bore by the facts, rules, and principles of design.