Launched in 1999, the publication was the first web magazine to focus on industrial design, architecture, and art internationally.

[4] In February 2023, Sofia Lekka Angelopoulou replaced Birgit Lohmann as editor-in-chief of designboom.

Designboom runs several international design competitions each year, in partnership with large companies.

[7][8] In 2012, Designboom itself became a subject of media attention for its defense of Takeshi Miyakawa when the artist was arrested and held on Riker's Island for a controversial street installation in New York City.

[9] Miyakawa was collaborating with Designboom on a lighting installation for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the time.