The history of design

The history of design is a fascinating topic that covers the evolution of human creativity
and problem-solving. Design is the process of planning and making objects or systems
that serve a purpose or express an idea. Design history studies how design has
changed over time, in different cultures, and in response to various factors such as
technology, politics, economics, and aesthetics.
Some of the key moments in design history are:
• The prehistoric era, when humans began to use tools, symbols, and art to
manipulate their environment and communicate with each other.
• The ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, Greece,
and Rome, that developed sophisticated systems of writing, architecture,
engineering, and art.
• The medieval period, when design was influenced by religion, feudalism, and
the rise of trade and commerce. Gothic, Romanesque, and Islamic styles
emerged in architecture, while manuscripts, tapestries, and metalwork
flourished in the arts.
• The Renaissance, when design was inspired by the rediscovery of classical
antiquity and the humanist ideals of beauty, proportion, and harmony. Leonardo
da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi were among the master designers of
this era.
• The Industrial Revolution, when design was transformed by the development
of mass production, mechanization, and urbanization. New materials,
techniques, and forms of communication emerged, such as textiles, ceramics,
printing, photography, and typography. Designers such as William Morris, John
Ruskin, and Henry Ford advocated for social reform, craftsmanship, and
functionality.
• The modernist movement, when design was influenced by the avant-garde,
scientific, and rationalist trends of the 20th century. Designers such as Walter
Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Raymond Loewy sought to create universal,
efficient, and elegant solutions for the modern world. Bauhaus, Art Deco, and
Streamline Moderne were some of the prominent styles of this period.
• The postmodern era, when design was challenged by the diversity, complexity,
and uncertainty of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Designers such as
Philippe Starck, Michael Graves, and Donald Deskey experimented with
eclectic, playful, and expressive forms, often incorporating historical references,
cultural symbols, and personal narratives. Postmodernism, Deconstructivism,
and Product Semantics were some of the influential movements of this era.

1
If you want to learn more about design history, you can check out these sources:
• Design history - Wikipedia, a comprehensive overview of the subject with links
to more specific topics and examples.
• The historical evolution of design, a chapter from the book Design: A Very Short
Introduction by John Heskett, a renowned design historian and theorist.
• Design History: key moments you should know, an article by Bootcamp, a
platform for learning UX design, that summarizes some of the major milestones
and trends in design history.

2
1. The prehistoric era
The prehistoric era is the period of human
history before the invention of writing or
other forms of record-keeping. It covers a
very long span of time, from the
emergence of the first humans about 2.5
million years ago to the development of
the first civilizations around 3000 B.C.
The prehistoric era is divided into several
sub-periods, such as the Paleolithic, the
Neolithic, and the Bronze Age, based on the changes in human technology, culture,
and society.
Some of the main features of the prehistoric era are:
• The creation of the first tools, weapons, and art by early humans, such as stone
axes, spears, and cave paintings.
• The migration and adaptation of humans to different environments and climates
across the world, such as Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
• The development of language, religion, and symbolic systems by humans to
communicate and express their beliefs and values.
• The domestication of plants and animals by humans, leading to the emergence
of agriculture and animal husbandry.
• The formation of the first settlements, villages, and towns by humans, as well
as the construction of monumental structures, such as megaliths, pyramids, and
ziggurats.
• The invention of metallurgy by humans, enabling them to produce and use
bronze and iron tools and weapons.

If you want to learn more about the prehistoric era, you can check out these
sources:
• Prehistoric art - Wikipedia, a comprehensive overview of the artistic expressions
of prehistoric humans, with examples and images of cave paintings, sculptures,
and engravings.
• Introduction to Prehistoric Art, 20,000–8000 B.C. | Essay | The Metropolitan
Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, an essay that explains the
origins and significance of prehistoric art, with links to specific artworks and
archaeological sites.

3
• History of Graphic Design: A Not-Boring Simplified Version Explained by Yetis,
a blog post that traces the history of graphic design from the prehistoric era to
the present day, with illustrations and examples of different styles and
techniques.
• 4 Simple Concepts of Prehistoric Architecture, an article that describes the basic
principles and forms of prehistoric architecture, with references to famous
examples such as Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.
• Prehistoric Architecture – Architectural Studies - Carleton College, a web page
that provides an overview of the types and functions of prehistoric architecture,
with images and links to further resources.

4
2. The ancient civilizations
Ancient civilizations were the first to
develop complex and sophisticated
forms of design, such as writing,
architecture, engineering, and art.
They used design to express their
culture, religion, politics, and identity,
as well as to solve practical problems
and improve their quality of life.

The span of ancient civilizations design varies depending on the region and the culture,
but generally it covers the period from around 3000 BC to around AD 750. This is
based on the definition of ancient history as the time from the beginning of writing and
recorded human history to the expansion of Islam in the late antiquity1. However, some
ancient civilizations lasted longer or shorter than others, and some overlapped or
influenced each other. For example, the Egyptian civilization spanned over 3000 years,
from the Old Kingdom to the Ptolemaic dynasty, while the Qin dynasty in China lasted
only 14 years. The Greek and Roman civilizations had a lasting impact on the art and
architecture of later cultures, while the Olmec and Teotihuacan civilizations in
Mesoamerica developed independently from the rest of the world. You can see a
comparison of the lifespans of different ancient civilizations in this graphic2.
Some of the most influential ancient civilizations in terms of design were:
• Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where the first
urban civilizations emerged around 3500 BCE. Mesopotamian design is
characterized by the use of mud bricks, clay tablets, cuneiform writing,
ziggurats, palaces, temples, and gardens. Mesopotamian design also
influenced neighboring cultures, such as the Persians, the Babylonians, and the
Assyrians12.
• Egypt, the civilization that flourished along the Nile river for over 3000 years,
from the prehistoric period to the Roman conquest. Egyptian design is known
for its monumental pyramids, tombs, sphinxes, obelisks, and temples, as well
as its hieroglyphic writing, papyrus scrolls, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
Egyptian design also reflected the religious beliefs and rituals of the ancient
Egyptians, such as the cult of the pharaoh, the worship of various gods and
goddesses, and the concept of the afterlife3 .
• Greece, the civilization that spanned from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic
period, and that gave birth to democracy, philosophy, science, and art. Greek
design is renowned for its classical orders of architecture, such as the Doric,
Ionic, and Corinthian, as well as its temples, theatres, stadiums, and
acropolises. Greek design also produced some of the most famous sculptures,
paintings, vases, and mosaics of antiquity, as well as the invention of the
alphabet and the development of literature, drama, and poetry .

5
 • Rome, the civilization that dominated the Mediterranean world and beyond,
from the 8th century BCE to the 5th century CE. Roman design is marked by its
engineering feats, such as roads, aqueducts, bridges, and baths, as well as its
monumental buildings, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum.
Roman design also incorporated elements from other cultures, such as the
Etruscans, the Greeks, and the Egyptians, and created new forms of art, such
as frescoes, mosaics, portraits, and coins.
If you want to learn more about ancient civilizations and their design, you can check
out these sources:
• Architecture in the Ancient World, a collection of articles that examines the art
and architecture of different ancient cultures, with links to specific examples and
images.
• Mesopotamian art and architecture, an article that provides an overview of the
artistic and architectural achievements of the Mesopotamian civilizations, with
facts and history.
• History of Architecture: Megaliths, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Egypt, an article
that traces the history of architecture from the prehistoric era to the ancient
Egyptian civilization, with illustrations and explanations.
• [Greek Art and Architecture], an article that explores the characteristics and
significance of the art and architecture of ancient Greece, with examples and
images.
• [Ancient Greek Art and Architecture], a web page that offers a brief introduction
to the art and architecture of ancient Greece, with links to further resources and
activities.
• [Roman Art and Architecture], an article that describes the features and
influences of the art and architecture of ancient Rome, with examples and
images.
• [Ancient Roman Art and Architecture], a web page that provides a summary of
the art and architecture of ancient Rome, with links to further resources and
activities.

6
3. The medieval period
The medieval period, also known as
the Middle Ages, was the time
between the 5th and the 15th
centuries in Europe. It was marked by
the decline of the Roman Empire, the
rise of Christianity, the emergence of
feudalism, and the spread of the
Islamic civilization. Medieval design
was influenced by these historical
and cultural factors, as well as by the
geographic and climatic diversity of the continent.
Some of the main features of medieval design are:
• The development of Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture, which
were characterized by the use of round or pointed arches, vaults, buttresses,
and stained glass windows. Romanesque architecture was prevalent in the 11th
and 12th centuries, while Gothic architecture flourished in the 13th and 14th
centuries. Some of the most famous examples of medieval architecture are the
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Westminster Abbey in London, and the
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
• The production of illuminated manuscripts, which were handwritten books
decorated with gold, silver, and colorful paints. Illuminated manuscripts were
used for religious, educational, and artistic purposes, and often contained texts
from the Bible, classical literature, or medieval poetry. Some of the most
renowned illuminated manuscripts are the Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne
Gospels, and the Hours of Catherine of Cleves.
• The creation of tapestry, which was a form of textile art made by weaving wool,
silk, or linen threads on a loom. Tapestry was used for wall hangings, curtains,
carpets, or clothing, and often depicted scenes from history, mythology, or
everyday life. Some of the most famous tapestries are the Bayeux Tapestry, the
Apocalypse Tapestry, and the Unicorn Tapestries.
• The invention of printing, which was a revolutionary technique for reproducing
texts and images using movable type or woodblocks. Printing was introduced in
Europe by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, and enabled the mass
production and distribution of books, pamphlets, and posters. Printing also
influenced the development of typography, graphic design, and bookbinding.

7
If you want to learn more about medieval design, you can check out these sources:
• Medieval Architecture & Design: Types, Characteristics, and Buildings, an
article that examines the different styles and features of medieval architecture
and design, with links to specific examples and images.
• Medieval art - Wikipedia, a comprehensive overview of the artistic expressions
of the medieval period, with facts and history.
• Medieval Art and Architecture, a web page that provides a brief introduction to
the art and architecture of the medieval period, with links to further resources
and activities.

8
4. The renaissance
The design of the renaissance period
was a result of the revival of classical
learning and values, as well as the
increased interest in humanism, nature,
and individualism. The renaissance
period spanned from the 14th to the
17th century in Europe, and it produced
some of the most influential artists,
architects, writers, and thinkers of
history.
Some of the main features of renaissance design are:
• The development of linear perspective, which was a technique for creating
realistic and three-dimensional representations of space and depth. Linear
perspective was pioneered by Filippo Brunelleschi and applied by artists such
as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
• The use of proportion and geometry, which were inspired by the ancient
Greek and Roman ideals of beauty, harmony, and symmetry. Proportion and
geometry were used to design buildings, sculptures, paintings, and human
figures, following the principles of Vitruvius and Pythagoras.
• The exploration of anatomy and physiology, which was motivated by the
curiosity and observation of the human body and its functions. Anatomy and
physiology were studied by artists and scientists, such as Leonardo da Vinci,
Michelangelo, and Andreas Vesalius, who made detailed drawings and models
of the human anatomy.
• The expression of individuality and emotion, which was a reflection of the
humanist values and the personal experiences of the artists and their patrons.
Individuality and emotion were conveyed through portraits, self-portraits,
biographies, and narratives, as well as through the use of light, color, and
gesture.
If you want to learn more about renaissance design, you can check out these sources:
• Renaissance Period: Timeline, Art & Facts | HISTORY, an article that provides
an overview of the renaissance period, its origins, its achievements, and its
impact.
• Renaissance art | Definition, Characteristics, Style, Examples, & Facts …, an
article that examines the characteristics and significance of renaissance art,
with examples and images.
• [Renaissance Art and Architecture], a web page that offers a brief introduction
to the art and architecture of the renaissance period, with links to further
resources and activities.

9
5. The industrial revolution
The design during the industrial
revolution was influenced by the rapid
development of new technologies,
materials, and methods of production
that transformed the economy and
society of the 19th century. Some of the
main features of design during the
industrial revolution are:
• The emergence of industrial
design, which was the application of design principles to mass-produced
goods, such as furniture, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Industrial design
aimed to improve the functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics of products, as well
as to reduce costs and increase profits. Some of the pioneers of industrial
design were Josiah Wedgwood, Matthew Boulton, and Henry Cole.
• The rise of advertising and graphic design, which were the use of visual
communication to promote and sell products, services, and ideas. Advertising
and graphic design used techniques such as typography, illustration,
photography, and printing to create posters, flyers, labels, logos, and packaging.
Some of the innovators of advertising and graphic design were John Ruskin,
William Morris, and Jules Chéret.
• The development of photography and film, which were new forms of visual
media that captured and reproduced reality. Photography and film enabled the
documentation, dissemination, and manipulation of images, as well as the
creation of new forms of art and entertainment. Some of the pioneers of
photography and film were Louis Daguerre, Eadweard Muybridge, and the
Lumière brothers.
• The evolution of architecture and engineering, which were the design and
construction of buildings, structures, and systems that responded to the needs
and challenges of the industrial age. Architecture and engineering used new
materials, such as iron, steel, and concrete, and new styles, such as Gothic
Revival, Art Nouveau, and Modernism, to create bridges, railways, factories,
and skyscrapers. Some of the architects and engineers of the industrial
revolution were Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Gustave Eiffel, and Frank Lloyd
Wright.

10
If you want to learn more about design during the industrial revolution, you can check
out these sources:
• Design history - The Industrial Revolution, an article that provides an overview
of the design developments and achievements of the industrial revolution, with
facts and history.
• Graphic design - The Industrial Revolution and design technology, an article
that examines the impact of the industrial revolution on the fields of graphic
design, advertising, and printing, with examples and images.
• Industrial Revolution: Definition, Inventions & Dates, an article that explains the
origins and significance of the industrial revolution, its inventions, and its effects
on society and culture.

11
6. The modernist movement
The modernist movement design was a reaction to the traditional and historical styles
of the 19th century, and a search for new forms of expression that suited the modern
world. The modernist movement design was influenced by the developments in
science, technology, industry, and society, as well as by the artistic movements of the
early 20th century, such as Cubism, Futurism, and Expressionism.
Some of the main features of modernist movement design are:
• The use of abstraction, which was the simplification and reduction of forms to
their essential elements, such as lines, shapes, and colors. Abstraction was
used to create geometric, organic, or dynamic compositions that expressed the
essence or the function of the object or the space. Some of the examples of
abstract design are the paintings of Piet Mondrian, the sculptures of Constantin
Brancusi, and the furniture of Gerrit Rietveld.
• The adoption of functionalism, which was the principle that the form of a design
should follow its function, and that unnecessary ornamentation should be
avoided. Functionalism was based on the rational and scientific analysis of the
needs and problems of the users, and the application of the most efficient and
economical solutions. Some of the examples of functional design are the
buildings of Le Corbusier, the lamps of Christian Dell, and the radios of Serge
Chermayeff.
• The experimentation with new materials and techniques, which were the
result of the industrial and technological innovations of the time. New materials,
such as steel, glass, concrete, and plastic, and new techniques, such as
welding, casting, and molding, enabled the creation of new forms and structures
that were lighter, stronger, and more flexible. Some of the examples of new
materials and techniques are the chairs of Marcel Breuer, the glassware of Alvar
Aalto, and the pottery of Lucie Rie.
If you want to learn more about modernist movement design, you can check out these
sources:
• Modernism | Definition, Characteristics, History, Art, Literature, Time …, an
article that provides an overview of the modernist movement in various fields of
art and culture, with facts and history.
• Modernism - Royal Institute of British Architects, an article that examines the
characteristics and significance of modernist design in architecture, with
examples and images.
• Modernism - Design Museum, a web page that offers a brief introduction to
modernist design, with links to further resources and activities.

12
Art Deco
Art Deco is a style of design that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, influenced by the
modernist movement, the industrial revolution, and the exotic cultures. Art Deco is
characterized by geometric shapes, symmetrical patterns, streamlined forms, and rich
colors. Art Deco was applied to architecture, furniture, jewelry, fashion, and graphic
design. Some of the famous examples of Art Deco are the Chrysler Building in New
York, the posters of Jules Chéret, and the jewelry of René Lalique123.
If you want to learn more about Art Deco, you can check out these sources:
• Art Deco - Wikipedia, a comprehensive overview of the history, characteristics,
and examples of Art Deco, with facts and images.
• Art Deco | Definition, Characteristics, History, Artists, Architecture …, an article
that provides a summary of the origins, achievements, and impact of Art Deco,
with examples and images.
• Art Deco Movement Overview | TheArtStory, a web page that offers a brief
introduction to the key ideas, concepts, trends, and artworks of Art Deco, with
links to further resources and activities.

The Bahaus movements

The Bauhaus movements were a
series of design schools and styles
that emerged in Germany in the early
20th century. The Bauhaus
movements were influenced by the
modernist movement, the industrial
revolution, and the social and
political changes of the time. The
Bauhaus movements aimed to
create a new aesthetic that was
functional, rational, and universal, and that integrated art, craft, and technology. The
Bauhaus movements also experimented with different materials, forms, and colors,
and explored the relationship between design and society. Some of the famous
examples of Bauhaus design are the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, the Wassily Chair
by Marcel Breuer, and the typography by Herbert Bayer123.
If you want to learn more about the Bauhaus movements, you can check out these
sources:
• Bauhaus Movement Overview | TheArtStory, a web page that offers a brief
introduction to the key ideas, concepts, trends, and artworks of the Bauhaus
movements, with links to further resources and activities.

13
• What is the Bauhaus Movement? The History of Bauhaus Art - My Modern Met,
an article that provides an overview of the history, characteristics, and examples
of the Bauhaus movements, with facts and images.
• Bauhaus - Wikipedia, a comprehensive overview of the origins, achievements,
and impact of the Bauhaus movements, with facts and history.

14
7. The postmodern era
The postmodern era design was a reaction to the modernist movement design, which
was seen as too rigid, rational, and elitist. The postmodern era design emerged in the
late 20th and early 21st centuries, and it embraced diversity, complexity, and
contradiction. Postmodern designers experimented with different styles, genres, and
media, often mixing historical references, cultural symbols, and personal narratives.
Postmodern design also challenged the conventions and boundaries of art and design,
by using irony, humor, and parody.
Some of the main features of postmodern era design are:
• The use of eclecticism, which was the combination of different elements from
various sources, such as past and present, high and low, local and global.
Eclecticism was used to create playful, expressive, and hybrid forms that
reflected the multiplicity and fragmentation of the postmodern world. Some of
the examples of eclectic design are the furniture of Ettore Sottsass, the buildings
of Robert Venturi, and the graphics of David Carson.
• The adoption of deconstruction, which was the analysis and dismantling of the
structures and meanings of texts, images, and objects. Deconstruction was
used to expose the hidden assumptions and contradictions of modernism, and
to create new and unexpected interpretations and associations. Some of the
examples of deconstructive design are the paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat,
the sculptures of Anish Kapoor, and the fashion of Rei Kawakubo.
• The expression of identity and difference, which was the exploration and
celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of individuals and groups. Identity
and difference were expressed through the use of personal stories, cultural
symbols, and political statements, as well as through the appropriation and
subversion of stereotypes and norms. Some of the examples of identity and
difference design are the photographs of Cindy Sherman, the posters of
Barbara Kruger, and the installations of Ai Weiwei.
If you want to learn more about postmodern era design, you can check out these
sources:
• What is postmodern design: how the reigning style of the late 20th century
works, an article that provides an overview of the postmodern design, its origins,
its achievements, and its impact.
• What is Postmodernism?, a web page that offers a brief introduction to the
postmodernism in various fields of art and culture, with links to further resources
and activities.
• Postmodern architecture, an article that examines the characteristics and
significance of postmodern design in architecture, with examples and images.

15
The future
The design of the 22 century is hard to predict, as it will depend on the changes and
challenges that the world will face in the future. However, based on some of the trends
and examples that I found from the web search results, I can share some of my
thoughts:
• The design of the 22 century will be more sustainable and resilient, as it will
have to address the environmental and social issues that are affecting the planet
and its inhabitants. Designers will use renewable materials, energy-efficient
technologies, and circular systems to create products and spaces that minimize
waste, emissions, and consumption. Designers will also consider the impacts of
climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics, and design solutions that can
adapt and respond to these uncertainties. For example, one of the projects that
demonstrates this trend is the behavior health facility in Monterey, California,
which uses prefabricated mass timber, passive design strategies, and biophilic
elements to create a high-performance and sustainable building1.
• The design of the 22 century will be more diverse and inclusive, as it will reflect
the plurality and complexity of the human experience. Designers will embrace
different cultures, perspectives, and identities, and design for and with the
people who are often marginalized or excluded. Designers will also use various
media, genres, and styles, and mix historical and contemporary references, to
create expressive and hybrid forms that challenge the conventions and
boundaries of design. For example, one of the movements that illustrates this
trend is the ontological design, which proposes a pluriversal co-creation that
integrates art, craft, and technology2.
• The design of the 22 century will be more innovative and experimental, as it
will leverage the advances in science, technology, and industry that will enable
new possibilities and opportunities. Designers will use artificial intelligence,
biotechnology, nanotechnology, and quantum computing, to create new
materials, techniques, and forms that are lighter, stronger, and more flexible.
Designers will also explore the potential and implications of these new
technologies, and create new forms of art and entertainment that capture and
reproduce reality. For example, one of the technologies that shows this trend is
the holographic display, which can create realistic and interactive 3D images in
the air3.

16
 summary
• We started by discussing the history of design, and how it covers the evolution
of human creativity and problem-solving.
• We went through the main periods and features of design history, such as the
prehistoric era, the ancient civilizations, the medieval period, the renaissance,
the industrial revolution, the modernist movement, and the postmodern era.
• We also looked at some examples and sources of design from each period,
using the web search results as a reference.
• We briefly touched on some specific styles and movements of design, such as
Art Deco and Bauhaus, and how they related to the broader context of design
history.
• We concluded that the history of design is connected to the history of
architecture, as both fields deal with the creation of objects and spaces that
serve a purpose or express an idea.
• We also concluded that the history of design is influenced by the changes in
technology, culture, and society, as well as by the artistic movements of different
periods and regions.
• We also concluded that the history of design is diverse, complex, and
contradictory, as it reflects the multiplicity and fragmentation of the human
experience.
• We also concluded that the history of design is ongoing, as new forms of design
emerge and challenge the existing ones.

17