In this brilliant exposition of the many facets of good design, David Pye investigates the scientific nature of function and its tenuous relationship to form. He explores the priority of economy, physical components, and manufacturing technique; and he clarifies the relative utilitarian and aesthetic roles of design. It establishes a basic theory of design where none existed before. Written in a lucid style and in jargon-free language, it is a healthy correction to critiques of the past century. This is a penetrating, provocative and utterly stimulating book that everyone should read—for design is everywhere.