At Aesthete Magazine, we understand that great product design is driven by continuous learning and inspiration. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 8 best books every product designer should read. From mastering design principles to sparking creativity, these recommendations are perfect for honing your craft and staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of design.
Design heute. Massstäbe: Formgebung zwischen Industrie und Kunst-Stück
Volker Fischer, Deutsches Architekturmuseum
This book is a unique German edition from 1988, which has been reprinted several times. It is little known, but is a real treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in the evolution of design. The authors examine the path taken by design from the 1920s to the end of the 20th century, with an emphasis on the interaction between art and industry. This publication will be especially useful for designers who are passionate about collectibles, as it allows them to look at their history from an unusual angle.
Italien: Design 1945 bis heute
Hans Wichmann
Italy is a country that has had a huge influence on modern product design. This book, published in Germany about 10 years ago, offers to follow the path of Italian design from the post-war period to the present day. It illustrates the evolution of Italian design and allows you to better understand how history and cultural changes have influenced the formation of product design. A real mood board for those who like a combination of tradition and innovation.
1000 Lights
Taschen
Taschen books have long been classics for designers, and 1000 Lights is no exception. This extensive publication is dedicated to lighting design and is one of the most comprehensive overviews in this field. The book includes many photographs and descriptions of lamps from various designers, which makes it an indispensable tool for any professional working with lighting. If you work with light at all, this book is a must-have.
1000 Chairs
Taschen
"1000 Chairs" continues the series of publications from Taschen, but with an emphasis on the design of chairs and armchairs. This book, like "1000 Lights", is distinguished by the high quality of the illustrations and covers a variety of design solutions, from classic to the most modern. It will be an excellent assistant in exploring the evolution of form and functionality of a seemingly simple piece of furniture, as well as a source of inspiration for creating new objects.
iF Design Awards: Product
iF Design Awards
The annual iF Design Awards collection is a collection of works by the winners of one of the most prestigious global design competitions. This publication provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the best solutions and trends in modern product design. Not only history: it is extremely important for us to stay up to date with the latest achievements in the industry and closely follow the discoveries of leading designers. By regularly updating your collection of such catalogs, you will definitely not miss anything.
Atlas of Furniture Design
Vitra Design Museum
One of the most comprehensive and informative sources on furniture design. This book contains more than one and a half thousand items and presents the works of more than 500 designers. In addition to a huge number of illustrations, the publication includes deep essays that reveal the socio-cultural and historical context of the development of furniture design. The texts are written by different authors, which means that you will not find two identical views on similar objects on the pages of the publication. From the point of view of design theory, this is a priceless find.
Dieter Rams: The Complete Works
Phaidon
The complete collection of works by Dieter Rams, the founder of the Braun style and a supporter of functional minimalism, will only be released at the end of October, but I can recommend pre-ordering it now. This catalog is a veritable encyclopedia for anyone interested in industrial design. Dieter Rams, by the way, personally participated in the creation of this publication. This is a must-have for anyone who admires minimalism and seeks to understand the principles that underlie the long-term success of design.
Phaidon Design Classics
Phaidon
The three-volume edition of Phaidon Design Classics completes my selection. This unique work includes 999 objects, covering more than two centuries of design history: from furniture and lamps to household appliances and even aviation. The photographs of the objects are accompanied by short but informative essays written by designers, journalists and researchers. The history of thinking and ideas about beauty and convenience, diverse aesthetics and sometimes almost polar views on the functionality of an interior item: by analyzing very different approaches to beauty, you will be able to better formulate your own vision and dare to experiment.
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