The Strategic Designer: Tools Techniques for Managing the Design Process

by David Holston

Providing insight on how to be a successful and strategic designer, David Holston answers many of the questions plaguing the profession today, including how to boost efficiency and enhance creativity. The design profession has been asking itself some important questions How do designers deal with the increasing complexity of design problems? What skills do designers need to be competitive in the future? How do designers become co-creators with clients and audiences? How do designers prove their value to business? Designers are looking for ways to stay competitive in the conceptual economy and address the increasing complexity of design problems. By adopting a process that considers collaboration, context and accountability, designers move from 'makers of things' to 'design strategists.' The Strategic Designer shows designers how to build strong client relationships, elevate their standing with clients, increase project success rates, boost efficiency, and enhance their creativity.

Genres: Design, Business, Management

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Dave Holston]

Brilliant, if I do say so myself. ;-)

[Tracy]

Understandably business-focused, which overlaps some but not completely with designing for the public sector, which has different values and priorities. I skimmed most of it, skipping over the numerous case studies from large corporations. Mostly things I already knew, but it put a name to some and had some new ideas. Doesn't get into the nitty gritty of design process elements like the design brief, but focuses on how and when to use them.

[Mike Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is more than suggested by the cover and title. It offers a description and examples of the design process, but also how to establish one, the many options for inspiration, options for research, client management, selling better ideas, connecting design with business and concept development.

[Brion Pampell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference. It's a good one to reread as needed.

[Nathanael Coyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read on the need for designers to mature and transition from drawing pretty pictures to the world of business. Talks about process, frameworks, accountability, strategy, research and being a partner in business rather than colouring in the boxes as the last step in the project, adding little value. Good content but a bit dry and not very persuasive, so unless you've already been sold on the need for strategic design then this will probably fall flat. Take charge, lock that process down, think things through, look at the bigger picture and design communication, not just graphics.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Holston provides a wealth of great information on the design process. This is a wonderful reference book and perfect to keep on the shelf. Overall it is a really dense read with way to many acronyms but contains a lot of great information.

[Kyle Cameron Studstill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Design thinking filtered through intelligent business strategy

[Wafi Muhammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good book

[Philippe Heckly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I keep going back to.