Design infiltrates most aspects of modern living. But what is it? How is it different from yet related to invention and innovation? Is the lightbulb a design, or an invention? Where does "art" stop and "design" begin? Who was Raymond Loewy?

Design: A Crash Course answers questions like these, giving readers a concise history of the field and addressing such issues as how form serves function or how it is inspired by whimsy, and how street style and consumer culture influence design. The range of subjects covered includes appliances, textiles, furniture, ceramics, cars, airplanes, watches, and more.