Make Design Matter

by David Carlson

"This little red book presents a pocket guide to meaningful design. Seven stepping stones that inspire you to cross the stream of change, and get you to the other side, firm and dry . . . " —Brent Richards, creative chef and architect

Make Design Matter is an accessible book about a complex subject. It proposes strategic design guidelines based on holistic concepts. The guidelines facilitate convergence across different fields, inspiring designers and laypersons, companies and institutions, teachers and students of design to envision and apply more meaningful solutions. This book will help you to design better . . . and to make design matter!

David Carlson is an influential facilitator, cross-pollinator, and design thought leader. Internationally sought after as a speaker at conferences, seminars, schools, and corporate events, David tells stories in an informed and inspiring manner about his holistic approach at the intersection of design, culture, and business. David is the founder of The David Report, the Designboost conference series, Carlson Ahnell, and David Design. His social life reflects his cross-pollinating mindcast: president of a nature conservation organization; guitar player in bands since the early '80s, most recently with the band Miller Moon; and last but not least, a deeply dedicated gardener, more specifically, of old roses with unmatched aromas.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction

164 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2012

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were to read this as a non designer and about to get involved in a multi-discipline workshop, then this is a good introduction to some basic concepts.

If I read it as a designer who works with process and design thinking for a living, then it'd be easier to quibble with some of the content.

Given that, I think the intended audience is the former and it works in that respect, it probably sets the scene nicely. I know someone who has been given the book before taking part in David's workshop. They thought the book was good and I'm looking forward to hear about the workshop.

[Pratibha Shrestha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visual pleasure but the content was too surface-level.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good examples, how to incorporate design into society by bringing it to the people and making use of regional advantages. Relating it to traditionalists and breaking the rules.

[Toon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, and fun but nothing worthwhile remembering

[Gabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that provides useful tools any designer or artist could use to make meaningful content/media. Although it is a little generic and repetitive to what current designers already know.

[Steffanie Jorj · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures in this book made it easier to read, understand, and remember its contents - its point. It is concise, though I would have to admit that I had a different expectation of the book because of its title. The title of the book suggested more of a design's substance and being or an even deeper explanation of that. All the while, it talked about how designs can be sustainable. Which isn't all that bad. It's a good thing actually. I just had a misconception of the title I guess.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for my Design class and do a quick analysis on it. Overall, I liked the book, but some of the things it mentioned was a little bit repetitive. It could just be because my Design class kept talking about overall themes of the book and therefore, it was repetitive. A very fast read - 2 hours tops to finish this book. Inspiring book for any up and coming designer.

[Martyn Perks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another doom-mongering design book arguing that the key task of the design is first and foremost to be responsible to the planet. So while he says be creative, ambitious and bold, this is all sustainable double-speak. Shame instead doesn't write of what impact design has had on our lives.

[Patricio André · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great graphic design for this book that shows yet that design is not only a question of style. Here are lots of ideas and stories about creative process. How to make the world better. A little repetitive... Very inspiring.

[Arie Winata · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could be better

[Pernilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and thoughtful in a simple and matter of fact way. Good examples and food for thought to bring home and explore in a personal way.

[Tiina Pärtel · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read, short design examples and inspiring way of writing!

[Zeyi Wang · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOOD ARTISTS COPY. GREAT ARTISTS STEAL.

[Richenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very pretty self help book