An intersection of my two passions: books and design. I sell books for a living. I do human-centred design for a living. I am highly privileged to be able to choose to do things I love for a living. Not once but twice, and simultaneously. If you’re in the profession of design and are looking for some inspiration in your career, might I recommend these 3 books.
Design Thinking Pocket Guide (2013) by Robert Curedale
Design and innovation are inextricably linked. Design Thinking fosters the creation of pragmatic and inventive problem-solving solutions. It consistently fuels innovation and adds tangible business benefits. DT’s application is versatile, and extends to the development of product, service, human experience, and business strategy. It serves as a valuable tool for making sense and making well-informed design choices in the face of uncertainty, complexity and limited information – all rife in the world of today’s fast-moving business landscape. I believe there is an updated 2nd edition from 2015 which has now superseded the one I have pictured here. I recommend you get that instead of this.
Design Maker User (2016) by The Design Museum
Published by the incomparable Phaidon, this meticulously crafted and visually stunning book goes deep into the history and rise of design, tracing its journey from the era of the industrial revolution to the modern digital explosion. This book is a feast. If you are a designer, fasten your seatbelt and prepare to be educated and inspired. Full of rich, full-colour photos. Design, in all its facets, draws upon the collaborative efforts of designers, creators, and end-users. This creative endeavour extends far beyond physical objects and architectural structures; it encompasses the crafting of environments, intricate systems, and interconnected networks. By delving into these intricate relationships, you’ll gain valuable insights into the reciprocal influence between human ingenuity and the world it creates, reflecting the profound impact of design on our lives.
Design Leadership (2013) by Raymond Turner
The central premise of this book on Design Leadership is that design plays a crucial role in both commercial and societal contexts. I agree. And that effective management and leadership of design are essential components for achieving success in business, enhancing government effectiveness, and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable society for all. This book offers a clear and practical approach that will prove invaluable to managers, CEOs, and other people who influence the operations of organisations and drive the economic prosperity of nations. It holds particular relevance for those tasked with design management and leadership roles, as well as students aspiring to pursue careers in these capacities. The core concepts explored in Design Leadership pertain to anyone involved in shaping society and entrusted with the responsibility of improving the quality of our lives.