Customer Reviews

Universal Principles of Design

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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.

It might lacks the depth of some academic books, but it is one of the best a to z guide on the subject; it is enjoyable and easy to read, interesting and informative at the same time. Really a good starting point for someone who wants to learn the basis of design; 100 design principles simply explained with clear examples. This is a reference book, if you are looking for a source of inspiration, you will be desapointed, but as a source of direction it is a very good book, or to someone that wants references on specific rules to follow or one that wants to get introduced to the laws or the design world.

First, I wasn't sure if I should buy this book, but after reading half the book at the bookstore, I am convinced this is one of the best a-z guide on user experience/desireability/usability......

very well written and easy to read....with great examples!

I recommend this book to people in design or design related field.....

---"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"

This book is a great introduction to many themes relevant to all form of design. Many references are given for anyone wishing to further develop their understanding of the theme discussed.

This is the first time I've been compelled to write I review. I received this book yesterday and though I've only read through a small portion of the book, I find it to be very informative as well as enjoyable to read. The body text is clear and concise, and the full page (clearly explained and well labeled) examples go a long way to contributing to one's understanding of the concept.
Each principle is described in terms of how and when it can be applied to a design, and often general guidelines for usage. I plan to read this book once through to obtain a basic understanding of the concepts, and retain it for reference in my future endeavors. Each principle has around 2-3 citations, for more in-depth research. Some of the principles are obvious, but the text allows the reader to obtain a greater understanding of its importance.
One reviewer mentioned the lack of research on the part of the authors, I don't really believe thats a problem. The examples are common and easy to understand, I don't see a problem with that, and I think it would have been unnecessary for the authors to use more complex or worldly examples.
This book would definitely be good reference for a student, though I'm not sure if a professional would get as much use out of it. This is a great reference for any design discipline, I highly recommend it. Another good book for students is 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick. It serves as a reminder of many (obvious) principles and concepts that should always be considered in every design, but are easily overlooked in the hectic life of an architecture student.

This is one of the best books I've seen lately, combining theory from usability, perception and design. The book consists of small explanatory texts on the left pages, with examples on the right. The chapters of the book are in an alphabetical order; this means for instance that principles from the Gestalt Psychology are devided over different chapters (closure, constancy, good continuation etc.) However, on the bottom of every page is a 'hyperlink' to related chapters. To categorize the chapters the book has a categorical table of contents, with categories like perception, learnability, usability, appeal and design decisions. Students from technical courses, to whom I showed the book, immediately liked it.

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).

The most irresistible book in design that I've seen for a very long time. Books are usually such a subjective thing that I don't normally insist on anyone reading the same things I do. But just published, this one should be required reading for designers of all disciplines, student or master. Clear, simple, clean and intelligent in its own design, too.

Whether you are just starting out or are an old hat, this book is outstanding. It defined many of the techniques I use as well as give more detail. This book has also expanded my knowledge on some principles I never knew. I am giving this book as Christmas presents to my clients and friends.