Universal Principles of Design [Hardcover]

William Lidwell (Author), Kritina Holden (Author), Jill Butler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

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 workùuntil now.

Universal Principles of Design is the first cross-disciplinary reference of design. Richly illustrated and easy to navigate, this book pairs clear explanations of the design concepts featured with visual examples of those concepts applied in practice. From the 80/20 rule to chunking, from baby-face bias to Ockham's razor, and from self-similarity to storytelling, 100 design concepts are defined and illustrated for readers to expand their knowledge.

This landmark reference will become the standard for designers, engineers, architects, and students who seek to broaden and improve their design expertise.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Lidwell is a partner and chief research and development officer at the Applied Management Sciences Institute. He writes, speaks, and consults on topics of design and engineering and is the author of multiple books including the best-selling design book Universal Principles of Design, which has been translated into 16 languages. He lives in Houston, TX.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592530079
• ISBN-13: 978-1592530076
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.8 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars At last a book about design not focussed on aesthetics July 27, 2004

By MR NEIL MOFFATT

Format:Hardcover

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.

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not A Design Book...a LIFE BOOK! August 1, 2004

By R. M Zeitman

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for every serious designer April 12, 2004

By Devrim PINAR

Format:Hardcover

---"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"

101 of 125 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Better for the Coffee Table than the Design Desk January 16, 2004

By John Beeler

Format:Hardcover

Much of Universal Principles of Design lacks depth. The reason for this is that the text needed more colloboration than it appears to have asorbed. For something that aspires to be a sort of objective compendium, the topics (and particularly the examples used) are grounded firmly within the author's sphere of knowledge. I correctly guessed both where the authors lived as well as their occupations long before I had finished reading merely because they use so many examples from Houston and software. Unfortunately, this lack of research and colloboration outside of the two authors and their own knowledge creates a shallow, uninformed book.

Universal Principles of Design is far less academic and objective than it proports. For example, if I had based one of my principles on an example I would have researched it beyond merely using internet heresay (DVORAK v. QWERTY, for example). That's not to say it isn't enjoyable, as the text itself is neat, modernist, clean and is, at times, interesting and informative. However, Universal Principles of Design lacks the academic depth needed for usability and never extends beyond introductions and formalities. The book is something that aspires to belong more on the coffee table as a chic relic of interest in design than as a usable, practical text to earmark, underline in, and really utilize as a day to day guidebook.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Shockingly good September 23, 2005

By Joshua Miller

Format:Hardcover

I'm a senior in a Visual Communications and Design program. One of my professors highly recommended this book, so I decided to buy it after looking at the price here on Amazon. I didn't know what to expect.

I was greeted with nice satin-finish hardcover with no dust jacket (I dislike those anyway). When I opened the book, I noticed that each spread is completely new principle of design. The right panel has amazing illustrations or photographs VISUALLY explaining each principle, while the left panel explained the principle in a way that I have a new level of understanding and presented in a way that makes me appreciate all the genres of design (from Architecture to product design to marketing). As if this was not enough, each article has references to the complete "seminal" work that started this principle and usually a more up-to-date reference that explores this principle in today's world.

I join along with my Professor, BUY this book. You will be gaining such a treasuretrove of knowledge that my four year degree has only taught me to appreciate and learn. This is concise stuff that runs the gamut and I am finding exceedingly practical. If there can be a book where all you need is right here, then this is it.

When I become a professor, years down the road, this will be a mandatory book for all design students.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Kindle version versus latest Hardcover version June 17, 2010

By T. Wallner

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Kindle version is from 2003 and has 100 principles. The latest 2010 version is in hardcover and has 125 principles. I wanted the Kindle version so that I could search, highlight and create notes electronically. I was disappointed to discover the Kindle version was not also the latest version. I now own both :|

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, concise book September 17, 2004

By shutin

Format:Hardcover

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.