What is the connection between design, invention and innovation? Where does 'art' stop and 'design’ start? Should form be inspired by fun or function? DESIGN -A CRASH COURSE gives you the lowdown on the people who have made our world look the way it does and helps you untangle the difference between need, necessity and indulgence.

• discusses all major developments in design history
• features on key products and outstanding innovators
• crib boxes telling you just who taught who what
• glossary defines all those design foibles
• timeline so you don't make any design date faux pas