Some art teachers say that art is all around us when they actually mean that "design" is all around us. The everyday objects we view, purchase, and use are designed. Some are well designed, others are poorly designed, and many are in-between. Teachers need to develop learning strategies that enable their students to understand how design is part of their lives, how it influences their decision making, and how it could become their livelihood. This article presents 12 concepts that are essential to understanding how and why objects are designed and how designers work. Objects are designed by a wide range of people on various scales, such as one-of-a-kind, small production, and mass-produced objects. The focus of this article is on factors and concepts that directly influence the design of mass-produced objects. These 12 concepts are derived from readings about top designers, assessing the merits of award-winning designs, and publications focusing on one or more of these design concepts. What drives the design of objects? The following concepts emerge when answering this question: (1) green design or eco-design; (2) new concept design; (3) criteria-based design; (4) ergonomics; (5) form and function; (6) prior design philosophy or retro-design; (7) revision of existing design; (8) systems design; (9) fine art influences; (10) cultural influences; (11) technology and design; and (12) qualitative design criteria. While these concepts are discussed in isolation for clarity, they underlie the design of most products. (Contains 1 note and 10 figures.)