I believe that the history of design dates way back during the evolution of homo sapiens where carvings were found in caves.

The neandethal rock art is one such example. Archeologists have found out that it is difficult to carve onto such rocks thus they believed that it might be an intentional act. However, it is debatable on whether this is a piece of art. In my opinion, I believe that the thought process of design might not be develop at that era yet but the it has kickstart the history of design (if this makes sense…)

https://www.livescience.com/47640-abstract-neanderthal-cave-engraving-discovered.html