Rethink Redesign Reconstruct [Hardcover]

Mark Wasserman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1581804598 | ISBN-13: 978-1581804591 | Publication Date: May 13, 2004

This book is a powerful reminder that there's more than one solution to every creative problem. Readers will find 37 original projects followed by reinterpretations from top professionals. These re-mixes serve as a creative jolt for those inevitable times when designers need a little extra inspiration. Each section starts with an original design and detailed Q&A-style captions that explain the concept and process behind the design. The following re-designs - ranging from wild freeform creations to more subtle changes - are paired with insightful captions that give readers a rare (and sometimes humorous) glimpse into other professionals' creative thought processes. With page after page full of never-before-seen artwork, this book is the kind designers will pull down from the shelf again and again. It's an essential idea-sparking tool.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Wasserman co-founded Plinko, a San Francisco graphic design shop, with his wife in 1997. The firm's eclectic client list includes everyone from Aquarius Records and Garageband.com to Business 2.0 and Bind Networks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: How (May 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581804598
• ISBN-13: 978-1581804591
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,118,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally reinvents the 'redesign' genre of design books, September 30, 2004

By 

Iconophoric - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rethink Redesign Reconstruct (Hardcover)

If design books have one general fault, it is failing to keep up with the curve, the leading edge of graphic design. Things change so quickly. The subgenre of redesign books has been among the worst offenders in this area. That's because many have been content to take 15 year old designs and reconfigure them for today, in the process inadvertently passing off more or less standard results as special work. This book is a total break with this lazy tradition of contrasting your father's design and your own generation's. It does that by picking relatively recent designs for "what if" rethinking. The results play out as mind-blowing re-envisionings of already edgy design. To me that's what sets this book apart: the pieces being redesigned aren't ancient, they aren't the least bit stodgy. In most cases, the originals up for redesign could probably themselves have appeared in fairly recent design annuals, and may have, in many instances.

Rethink Redesign Reconstruct is a fresh, exciting book that stands out in a genre of the design book field that has settled into a comfortable rut. I would call it a definite must have among current design books.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great idea, inspiring work, June 24, 2004

By 

R. Raye "Bubbles" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rethink Redesign Reconstruct (Hardcover)

The best part about this book is the interviews done with each designer, revealing aspects of their personality that often doesn't come through in their professional work. Not just another pretty picture book. For the most part the book highlights an Interesting international selection of design studios/people doing influential work. My only real criticism lies with the "chunky" design layout of the book, Hoping for a "Rethink 2" sequel.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book, March 11, 2008

By 

CT (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rethink Redesign Reconstruct (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this book for your library. As a graphic design student, it helps me prepare myself for what my competition will be. I love how it shows the original piece and re:designs from other designers. The interviews are so captivating it is hard for me to look at just the piece alone without reading the interview. It will help you become a stronger designer, and as a student, it will help you become less intimidated. Great book!!!