Design book reviews

We've chosen to feature the following design books because they represent a good cross-section - from books useful for junior designers and students, to some more advanced design theory and digital image manuals that will be useful to senior designers and art directors. We hope you find this selection useful. And remember to keep checking back, to see what new offerings we feature.

Taking Control of fonts in Mac OS X, Tiger

Book about managing fonts under OS X Tiger. Read review here.

Design Secrets: Products: 50 Real-Life Projects Uncovered

Does what it says on the cover basically. Although, it should be pointed out that the book is about product design projects. Each project has a commentary describing the designer's motivations, and the evolution of the project is illustrated. Working drawings, sketches, process books, computer visuals, story-boards and colour photographs show the whole process from idea to product. Buy Design Secrets: Products: 50 Real-Life Projects Uncovered from Amazon.

The Non-Designer's Design Book

Don't be put off by the title. Written by Robin Williams' (no not that Robin Williams), this is a serious graphic design book. Whether you have been roped into producing the office newsletter or student magazine, to learning the principles of good typography and layout, this book is just the ticket. Clearly laid out and cleverly written, with dashes of humour also, there is much learn here. If you are trying to decide whether graphic design is the right career for you, you could do worse than start here. Those looking for something more advanced might want to try Robin William's' other book in the series, The Non-Designer's Type Book, which is probably more suited to junior designers and students. Purchase The Non-Designer's Design Book from Amazon.

Digital graphic design for all creatives

For graphic design students, or even professionals, who are struggling with the technical aspects of the creative process, this book is invaluable. The book starts off with portfolio from some of the Worlds best designers and then goes on to deal with a series of technical issues that practising designers may come across, for both the print and web. Specific practical examples are very Mac biased, which is understandable considering the industry. But it should also be useful for PC users. The principles are, of course, the same. Purchase The Complete Guide to Digital Graphic Design from Amazon.

Universal Principles of Design: 100 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach Through Design

Yes, we know, that's a heck of a long title for a book about usability. Nevertheless, this book comes highly recommended. Rather than focussing on the aesthetic aspects of design, this book draws from a wide range of design disciplines to focus on the basics - making the design fit the purpose. In these days, when design has often become associated purely with what a product looks like, this is a refreshing read. We like it. Buy Universal Principles of Design from Amazon.