How does design function? What is the difference between design and styling? Is the principle “form follows function” still valid? And what constitutes the design process in practice? There are so many questions on the highly topical subject of design. The authors provide answers to many of them by covering a wide range of topics, from the historical roots to the outlook on the near future, from a comprehensive look at product functions to the analysis of the complex design process, from theoretical foundations to descriptive case studies. The central theme is product design, taking the conflicting interests of consumers, manufacturers and designers into consideration. All factors of planning and designing of industrial products are considered and clearly presented. The book is aimed at enquiring users as well as committed entrepreneurs, interested technicians and aspiring designers from a great variety of fields. "Design Basics" covers a wide range of topics, from the historical roots to an outlook on the near future, from compréhensive product functions to the complex design process, theoretical foundations to descriptive case studies. The central theme is product design, taking the conflicting interests of consumers, producers, and designers into consideration. This volume appeals to interested users as well as committed entrepreneurs, inquisitive technicians and aspiring designers from the msot diverse sectors. It is a compact introduction to industrial design, written by specialists on the dield with many years of experience as product designers, design managers, ergonomists and design educators at various universities.