Designing Things - 9781845204266

"A lucid introduction to many of the theoretical perspectives that exist around objects and their design. For students it provides a deep understanding of the social meanings of design in both its production and consumption and the ethical issues that these raise." Guy Julier, Leeds Metropolitan University.

"A must read for those interested in the world of things. It explains complicated theoretical texts in ways that will delight readers." David Brody, Parsons The New School for Design

When and why did the turntable morph from playback device to musical instrument? Why have mobile phones evolved changeable skins? How many meanings can one attach to such mundane things as tennis balls? The answers to such questions illustrate this provocative book, which examines the cultural meanings of things and the role of designers in their design and production.

Designing Things provides the reader with a map of the rapidly changing field of design studies, a subject which now draws on a diverse range of theories and methodologies - from philosophy and visual culture, to anthropology and material culture, to media and cultural studies. Explaining key concepts - such as planned obsolescence, object fetishism, product semantics, consumer value, and user needs - and illustrating the discussion with a wealth of historical and contemporary case studies, Designing Things looks behind-the-scenes and beneath-the-surface at some of our most familiar and iconic objects.