"This standard work is an essential reference for students of design as well as for professional product designers, and anyone interested in the meanings behind design." "Bernhard E. Burdek traces the development of design from the beginnings in the late nineteenth century up to recent discoveries that will shape the twenty-first century. This stimulating book provides a systematic and up-to-date introduction to product design and presents the most important principles of design theory and methodology. The author takes a close look at the communicative function of products, highlighting aspects such as corporate and service design, design management, strategic design, interface/interaction design and human design. The book also shows the effects of globalization on the discipline, summarizing the current state of design in different parts of the world, and portraying global players and collaborations."--Jacket.