Never Use White Type on a Black Background: And 50 Other Ridiculous Design Rules

by Anneloes van Gaalen

Design has many rules that claim to be big truths and full of wisdom. Designers all go by rules that work for them. However, their rules may not work for someone else, or for a particular piece of design work. When a rule is forced upon you, it stops working and becomes a joke, like “Never use a PC,” or “Leave it until the last minute,” or the most famous of them all, “Less is more.” The problem is that every rule related to, or governing, design is ultimately ridiculous. In this book we have collected the most talked-about rules and the viewpoints of designers and thought leaders who live by them or hate them.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jan Berbeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised of the bad ratings this one had. Overall the book is good if you actually place it in the right category. It's a light funny book that just propose different quotes of 50 "rules" of design the author(s) have gathered.

This is meant to be light reading, propose either an internal discussion in the writer or a smile in the designer who agrees or disagrees with each of this rule. But its UP TO YOU to stand your point of view on each of these. It is not meant to set an actual opinion or reveal any "design panacea". So buy it taking this into account. If you are not a designer: Maybe you will find one or two interesting things. If you are one. (like me): Hey... maybe you will find a new reference in any of the books they mention or at least a smile when reading one of these "rules".

For those "design geniuses" that have bought it thinking they will read Donis Dondis, Müller-Brockmann or any other "must read" of design... well... obviously they will hate it. Because this is not that type of book. It's like watching a chick flick, or a super hero movie and criticize it because its not a piece directed by Scorsese, Hitchcock or Fellini.

[Eric Bettencourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a decent piece to flip through if you're short on ideas or direction. Mostly though it's more fashion than function.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's giving "this should've been a listicle".

Bought this when I was young and rereading it today. Content is fine, but the content-to-price ratio is way off.

[Paperdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Opinions are like a$$holes, everybody's got one.”

Having said that, we love the positive reviews we’ve received from both critics and members of the press. Which is why we ditch the rules of etiquette and blow our own horn by sharing some of the reviews with you…

"This handy aphorism debunker should help every aspiring creative and client cut through the clichés."
- Wallpaper

"It´s funny and edgy, and is a perfect gift for the designer that wants a good laugh or to anyone else who want a good laugh at designers."
- Play Me Design

“[The book] makes design platitudes up into full-spread graphics accompanied by a series of quotes that show how the saying was revised, rethought and, in some cases, rejected over time. The result is a small-scale oral history of each rule.”
- Fast Company

“’50 Ridiculous Design Rules’ presents a collection of inspirational and delusional design jargon intended to question preconceived notions of layout, type, and technique.”
- Cool Hunting

[Evania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the idea behind the book, to write opinions for particular design rules. I have heard many design rules which are agreeable but sometimes I found some doubtful statements. By reading this book I accept these rules in different perspectives. The illustrations of each pages are inspirational, I enjoy them the most. Moreover, this book does not only discuss graphic design, it describes other aspect of design too, it's a plus. I would recommend the book for quick fun read!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I expected this book to have more content, but it's really just design and one rule, then an intro, and a few quotes about that rule. It was entertaining and inspiring at times, but most of them I already knew about. It's worth getting from the library, but not to buy yourself, in my opinion.

[Judith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I shouldn't complain...I'm not in the graphic design field so, of course this book
won't "speak" to me as loudly. An easy, fun read and it was such fun to
recognize one of my favorite designers: Maira Kalman!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun read

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the point of this is that there is no point. For every rule in graphic design there are plenty of folks to say you shouldn't follow it.

[Kartini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great quick read to engage that part of your brain that thinks about what makes good design.

[Loulwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple , straightforward "rules" for anyone in the design, marketing or branding industry.

[Derrick Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it for quotes to help stimulate designers and product people to think about what they are doing. If your designers don't have their own view on design rules, you are in trouble :)

[Brendan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aphorisms of design worth questioning. Not as in-depth as I'd hoped. Fun, light bathroom reading.