Readings on Good Design
Does anyone know of any good books or websites on design? I mean, just design in and of itself, not how to use any specific programs or anything like that. It seems to me that there used to be a lot of good reading online about design and usability and things like that, but these resources seem to have either disappeared or changed their focus. Either that or I've just outgrown the content that is out there.
How can I become a better designer? What kind of principles or techniques should I be aware of? My problem is that I have very little formal training in design and feel that there are "secrets" taught in formal design programs that I should know.
Has anyone here done formal design training? Are there any sort of beginner texts that would be useful? What about good books on colour theory, typography etc?
I did pick up a copy of "How" Design magazine, which had a lot of useful information and ideas. It does seem, however, to assume that the audience has some formal design training (and is also rather heavy on the print side of things). How can I learn those design techniques without getting into a formal graphic design program? Speaking of print design, any sort of beginner's guide to print would also be helpful.
Suzanne posted this at 19:46 — 3rd June 2002.
She has: 5,507 posts
Joined: Feb 2000
http://www.eyewire.com/magazine/columns/robin/ I find Robin William's books for non-designers really helpful in explaining the basics and demystifying all the garbledegook.
disaster-master posted this at 12:58 — 4th June 2002.
She has: 2,154 posts
Joined: May 2001
Good topic Megan. I was thinking about posting something similar the other day but was sidetracked by the .com theft.
I have read a couple of books. One that I enjoyed reading was "Designing Web Usability" by Nielsen. I think there is a follow up to this book..not sure if it is out yet. I found "Web Design in a Nutshell" the other day on sale at a thrift shop for $5.00. It is mostly coding and stuff and is a little outdated. Here are some good books on color and design.
Here is a pile of resources on different issues listed on dmoz.org.
I have looked into taking some classes. I think anyone who does this for a living or as a paid hobby (like me) could benifit from a little schooling.
Hey thanks for the link Suzanne.
Megan posted this at 13:22 — 4th June 2002.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
A couple of my co-workers have been looking for courses on design but there don't seem to be any. All of the community colleges and technical schools seem to focus on how to use the software rather than how to be a better designer (unless you get into a full-time graphic design program).
Megan
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Suzanne posted this at 18:09 — 4th June 2002.
She has: 5,507 posts
Joined: Feb 2000
Graphic and Interior Design course text books are often of interest. If you go to a college campus, you might find some very illustrative texts that a regular bookstore wouldn't have available.
Bellcrest posted this at 19:03 — 3rd July 2002.
They have: 2 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
Course on Design Principles is available at
Design Principles Course at LVSOnline
I haven't taken this course at LVS, but I have taken others and I must say, I am impressed with the courses and instructors at LVS. The cost is minimal too.
Bellcrest Web Design
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alicorna posted this at 05:59 — 4th July 2002.
They have: 5 posts
Joined: Sep 2000
I'm a fan of learning what NOT to do (as well as what to do). If you learn what mistakes to avoid, you can... well, avoid them.
http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/
Vince Flanders is my favorite of the "design gurus".
mytechaid posted this at 17:29 — 4th July 2002.
They have: 11 posts
Joined: Jun 2001
I've looked for those type of resources as well. I've found much "usability" material, but that mostly repeats itself or deals with designing disability-aware sites.
Graphic design resources seem very sparse on the web or elsewhere for that matter. The EyeWire site Suzanne linked to looks very good, however.
myTechAid
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