Connecting the theory of design to its practice, this book encourages rigorous debate about the artistic, conceptual, and cultural significance of the way things look. What are the metaphysical concepts at the heart of design education, theory, and philosophy? Why do we assume that design is impossible to teach? ''Overlooking the Visual'' challenges the traditional foundations of design theory and takes an imaginative, radical approach, setting itself apart from the traditions of analytical philosophy, evolutionary psychology, and phenomenology which underpin much of current design discourse. This groundbreaking new take on design is interesting reading for professionals and advanced students in the architecture and design fields as well as public policy makers. This is an innovative, fresh view on design and how we can improve it for both practitioners and pupils.