This volume looks at the history of product design. Hundreds of photographs, sketches, drawings and texts reveal how small and large objects were conceived of, built, packaged, marketed and consumed throughout the years, around the world. Various schools of design and notable movements are discussed, as well as the technologies that helped create new uses for products even as they rendered previous items obsolete. From home furniture, houseware, audio and visual equipment, small and large appliances and personal-care items to computer chips, medical equipment, cellular phones, sports equipment, toys, cars and clothing, every aspect of daily life is included in this catalogue of ordinary objects, each with its own story.