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Design History

Understanding Theory and Method

  • Textbook
Design History cover

Design History

Understanding Theory and Method

  • Textbook
Quantity
Available on Dec 10 2026
$40.45

Available for purchase via Bloomsbury etextbooks on publication date

This title is available for exam copy requests

Description

The second edition of Design History provides an essential introduction to the seminal theories, methods and debates which have shaped the field, equipping students and scholars with the historiography, interdisciplinary approaches and key issues concerning knowledge and meaning in design. This new edition features:

- Two new chapters on the geographies and ecologies of design history, addressing globalization, transnational and decolonial perspectives, as well as sustainability, environmental issues and planetary thinking
- Expanded discussion of design history's relationship with neighbouring fields, including material culture, museology, anthropology, business history and the history of technology
- 60 colour images, including examples of Brazil's Orelhão phone booth, neon signs in Hong Kong and an Australian postage stamp series

A map to the intellectual landscape of design history that engages with the latest developments and contemporary concerns, this book is an invaluable and up-to-date guide for students and scholars.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1. Historiographies
Chapter 2. Objects and Objectives
Chapter 3. Theories and Methodologies
Chapter 4. Epistemologies
Chapter 5. Geographies
Chapter 6. Ecologies

Conclusion

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Dec 10 2026
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 2nd
Pages 256
ISBN 9781350568143
Imprint Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Illustrations 60 colour illus
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Kjetil Fallan

Kjetil Fallan is Professor of Design History at th…

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