Thinking Design

by S. Balaram

Thinking Design looks at ′design′ in its broadest sense and shows how design originates in ′human need′ which is not only physical but also psychological, socio-cultural, ecological and spiritual. The book calls for broad-based, socially integrated designs with a large global vision that offer creative solutions to a variety of subjects rather than providing multiplicity of objects. Exploring the course taken by design during the time of Gandhi and in the following era, the author advocates the need for service- or process-oriented designs in contrast to product-oriented designs.
The book explores the history of traditional design and its evolution. On one hand it takes the reader through the cultural-roots of design, and, on the other, it explores new technologies and their applications in design.
A remarkable feature of the book is the way its narrative is enlivened with case studies detailing design inventions, interspersed with tales of Mullah Nasiruddin that provide a tongue-in-cheek take on aspects of design.
This book will be an insightful reference for design professionals, academics and students in institutes conducting research on design and for those in the industrial/technical design departments of Engineering colleges.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2011

Reviews

[Prateek Maharaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far the best design essays i have ever read.

[Mahesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

S. Balaram written this book considering Indian scenario. It is very helpful to understand design with different perspective.