Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Subtle symbolism is incorporated into the shapes of objects from hair driers to furniture as a means of attracting buyers; designers' tactics and gender-based aesthetic assumptions are exposed here. ``This provocative, thoughtful study offers new ways of seeing and relating to our designed environment,'' said PW. Illustrated. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

CHOICE Review

All design involves the expression of values, either overtly or covertly, but the categories of objects examined in this book are consumer durable goods, such as hair dryers and electric appliances; crafts, such as handmade pots, textiles, and jewelry; high-design artifacts or things that can include a lot of hand work, such as expensive cars. These objects are designed by people who do not make them--architects and designers. Some of these architects and designers use postmodern design theory to justify everything, thereby giving every aspect of design a purpose for existing through its symbolic meaning. Dormer covers four important themes: the economic context of all design and production; the role of new technology in changing style; the relationship among making, consuming, and individual self-satisfaction; and the need to set design in the context of society's values of health and safety. Its information is comprehensively covered in seven chapters beginning with "Designing Style," which defines the differences between design and engineering. Other chapters include discussion of the effects of new materials upon styling, symbolism and meaning in product style, the role of symbolism in marketing, valuing the handmade, and conservation and environmental concerns. The author is a founding director of Design Analysis International and a leading interpreter of the applied arts and design. Illustrations are 50 black-and-white photographs. For all levels. -V. M. Juergensen, Mohawk Valley Community College