Design An introduction - Beat Schneider
This book consists in two parts: the first one provides an excellent historical overview of the design, the second contains a discussion in search of a theory of design, then it is necessary to point out historical facts and events so that professionals are aware of the design origins, and make clear that the design is not immune to the economic, political and social conjuntures, in fact is subdued to it.
Since the beginning of the design during the process of industrialization in the Industrial Revolution, the author provides critical information about the evolution of design, and its political, economic and social conjuntures. The industry and movements of that time are analyzed and commented by the author, which follows its trajectory toward modernism, through the Jugendstil, the pre-modernism in Chicago, Glasgow and Vienna, the German Werkbund, reaching the modernism of Bauhaus.
In a sharp way, this book provides critical information to design links with fascism and Nazism of the Third Reich. Such information allows a deep reflection on the paths taken by the profession, making clear that the design is not immune to what happens around them, both for good and for evil. Author's personal analysis are described at the end of each chapter, bringing a unique background in this kind of book.
Continuing his timeline, the book goes through the styling in the U.S., where designers were much more concerned with market factors, despite of quality or usability. Thus, the design contributed to the explosion in consumption in that country. In Europe, on the other hand, there was a relentless pursuit of quality and good form. A stiffness that kept her away from consumerism, at least for a time. The final chapters of this first part is devoted to the functionalism crisis, the 1980's, and the digital revolution in the "information age".
The second part is a critical passage, which aims to generate discussion on various topics that have received little or no attention in the design world (or designer's world). Initially are discussed concepts and definitions of design, corporate identity, art, etc. Then fuzzy topics are covered, such as gender issues, third world, research and science in design, as well as the lack of a sound theory of design.
Finally the book provides a list of publications, organizations and associations to design (mostly Swiss and German). This book is an essential reading for students, professionals and scholars in the field of design.
This book is available both in Portuguese or German.
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