On the Origin of Products

‘While evolutionary thinking about innovation has been popular among historians and economists, few have applied it to design and marketing. Based on a thorough reading of theories and a rich set of empirical examples, this book provides a new way for designers to think about new product development in a comprehensive manner.' Koen Frenken, Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands

‘Theory and practice of product design have evolved strongly in a rather short period. This book describes this development in a detailed way and will, no doubt, be an important resource for research in regard to knowledge and practice of product innovation and design.' Wim Crouwel, Professor Emeritus, Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands

‘This book is written at the crossroads of theory-informed engineering and practice-informed technology studies. It should be obligatory reading for industrial designers and product developers as it demonstrates how theoretical understanding of the relations between science, technology, and society can improve product design. But also vice versa: the many examples of product development that are revisited with a designer's eye, show that design practice can fruitfully inform theories of technology development.' Wiebe E. Bijker, Universiteit Maastricht and Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, Norway

‘This book enriches the conceptual framework concerning the evolution of man-made artifacts, and also offers convincing tools for product strategy and design; a considerable contribution to theory and practice.' Hans Dirken, Former Rector Magnificus and Dean of Industrial Design Engineering Faculty, Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands

'Eger and Ehlhardt have taken an innovative approach by applying Darwinian evolutionary principles to product design. This provides a richer understanding of the development of products and their potential for future adaptation. Using familiar products as case studies, from light bulbs to car seats, the authors illustrate the theory of product phases and how this can be used to better understand the driving forces on design specification and form. As well as outlining their own theory of new product development, they provide a comprehensive review of the most important theories of product development. This text will provide the student with an excellent grounding in product design theory and the practitioner with an enlightening new approach to the evolution of products. Highly Recommended.' Brian Price, Aston University