Universal Principles of Design: A Cross-Disciplinary Reference

by William Lidwell, Jill Butler, Kritina Holden

Book Overview

Whether a marketing campaign or a museum exhibit, a video game or a complex control system, the design we see is the culmination of many concepts and practices brought together from a variety of disciplines. Because no one can be an expert on everything, designers have always had to scramble to find the information and know-how required to make a design work - until now. Universal Principles of Design is the first cross-disciplinary reference of design...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592530079
• ISBN13: 9781592530076
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 2.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.5" x 10.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent, concise book

This is a great book for people who want an overview of the most abstract design principles that can then be applied to everyday life. Equally at home on the coffee table, work desk or washroom magazine rack, this book quickly opens up the structure behind the seemingly fluid world of design.

Not A Design Book...a LIFE BOOK!

This isn't a book about design, it's a collection of distinctions revealing the human experience. I've already used many of them to improve my marketing materials, my websites, how I speak to clients, and how I relate to the world. It's a just a wonderful ontological exploration. The wonderful references alone justify the cover price.

At last a book about design not focussed on aesthetics

The problem, it seems, as manifested by places like The Design Museum, is that the concept 'design' has become equated with appearance. This narrow perspective allows designers to shirk the responsibilities they have to end users in the design process. All too often a newly graduated designer will seek to stamp their personality or ideas on a product, flagrantly disregarding the basic principles of design. In one fell swoop, this book destroys any excuses designers may have. It is itself an elegant, highly accessible and successful example of good design. Each concept is covered in narrative, by reference and by example(s). From Occam's Razor, Affordability, Hick's Law to many areas not immediately obvious, the breadth of the book is wonderful, and no subject is anything other than easily understood. This coverage is no mean effort, and the beneficiaries cross all industries. Mandatory reading and reference for anyone who calls themselves a designer.

A must have for every serious designer

---"The best designers sometimes disregard the principles of design. When they do so, however, there is usually some compensating merit attained at the cost of the violation. Unless you are certain of doing as well, it is best to abide by the principles" from the Introduction.--- Really a cross reference whether you are designing for screen, print or industry, to tune and power up your designs. Simple 100 design principles laid and explained clearly by example. You will be amazed how instantly it works out. But if you are looking for an inspiration look for other items like "Big Book of Design Ideas"

Concise and Complete

This is the **most essential design book** I've had the pleasure of learning from. If there was only one book I could only recommend to design students or for client education, this would be it! The organization of the book follows it's own principles, the content is specific and accurate, and it cites and gives credit where due (also promoting deeper study of a subject/concept). I truly value it because of the quality summaries of design principles I've learned elsewhere consolidated into one book. The ONLY thing I would change about the book is to use a Serif typeface on the body texts for better readability.Excellent writing, excellent topical content, and excellent diagrams and examples.My compliments to the authors, as well as Rockport (whose books I usually despise for lacking substance despite their nice graphics).