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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592530079
• ISBN-13: 978-1592530076
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 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 "MR NEIL MOFFATT" (Cardiff, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Principles of Design (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.

39 of 45 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 "randzman" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Universal Principles of Design (Hardcover)

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.

12 of 12 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 "Art Director / Creative Designe... (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Universal Principles of Design (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"