This mini-lesson covers design theory — ergonomics & anthropometrics, percentiles, inclusive design, the major design movements (Arts & Crafts, Bauhaus, Memphis) and influential designers (Rams, Dyson, Eames, Starck).
Work through each screen, answer the questions as you go and collect ⭐ stars. Press Start when you’re ready.
Overview
What is design theory?
Design theory covers the principles behind good design — how products fit people (ergonomics and anthropometrics), how they can be inclusive, and the design movements and designers whose ideas still shape products today.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics and anthropometrics
Ergonomics — designing products so they are comfortable, efficient and safe for people to use.
Anthropometrics — the study of human body measurements (heights, reach, grip, etc.) used as data for ergonomic design.
Percentiles
Percentiles
Anthropometric data is spread across a population, so designers use percentiles. Designing for the 5th to 95th percentile accommodates the middle 90% of users.
Reach (e.g. a shelf height) is set for the 5th percentile — if the smallest can reach it, everyone can.
Clearance (e.g. a doorway) is set for the 95th percentile — if the largest fits, everyone fits.
Quick check
The 5th–95th range
?Why do designers commonly design for the 5th to 95th percentile?
Calculate
Your turn — anthropometric range
∑For a given product, the 5th percentile hand grip is 95 mm and the 95th percentile is 145 mm. An adjustable handle must span the range between them. What range must it cover?
mm
Hint: range = 95th − 5th = 145 − 95.
Inclusive
Inclusive and universal design
Inclusive (universal) design aims to make products usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, size or ability — without the need for special adaptation. Think lever door handles, level-access thresholds and clear, large labelling.
Quick check
Inclusive design
?Which design decision best reflects inclusive design?
Movements 1
Design movements (1)
Arts & Crafts (led by William Morris) — a reaction against poor-quality industrial goods; celebrated handcraft and natural forms.
Art Nouveau — flowing, organic, plant-like lines.
Bauhaus (Germany, 1919–1933, Walter Gropius) — united art and industry; the belief that form follows function.
Movements 2
Design movements (2)
Art Deco — bold geometric shapes and glamour (1920s–30s).
Modernism — minimalist, functional, "less is more".
Tap a movement, then tap the idea or figure linked to it.
Term
Match
Quick check
Form follows function
?Which movement is most associated with the principle that a product’s form should follow its function, uniting art with industry?
Designers 1
Designers (1)
Dieter Rams (Braun) — his motto "Less, but better" and Ten Principles of Good Design shaped minimalist product design (a strong influence on modern consumer electronics).
James Dyson — the dual-cyclone bagless vacuum; a champion of iterative development, reportedly building 5,127 prototypes before his first model succeeded.
Designers 2
Designers (2)
Charles & Ray Eames — pioneers of moulded plywood and fibreglass furniture; the iconic Eames Lounge Chair.
Philippe Starck — playful, sculptural products such as the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer (Alessi) and the Louis Ghost chair (Kartell).
Quick check
Dieter Rams
?Which phrase best captures Dieter Rams’ design philosophy?
Sort it
Whose design is it?
Tap an iconic product, then tap the designer behind it.
🔘 Dieter Rams
🪑 Charles & Ray Eames
🍋 Philippe Starck
Form & function
Form, function and influence
A central debate is form vs function — should a product prioritise how it looks or how it works? The best design resolves both. Studying designers and movements helps you justify decisions about aesthetics, style and socially useful design.
Recap
The big ideas to know
Ergonomics: design for comfort, efficiency, safety; anthropometrics = body data.