Name: Make It So
Rating: 3.80 (1 reviews)
Author: Nathan Shedroff & Christopher Noessel

Nathan

Christopher

Sci-fi production designers' imaginations are unbound by the rigorous constraints of designing for real users.  As a result, these designers can be startlingly creative, inspiring others with their imaginative visions.  By studying these outsider user interfaces, designers can derive lessons that make their own real-world designs more cutting edge and successful. 

Elevate your artistic skills and become the best artist you can be with the best Books for Artists.

paintbrush-fine

There are many forms of art that can help you express yourself and it is up to you to master them and become the greatest artist you can possibly be. The best Books for Artists will help you unleash your creativity and explore the parts of your artistic mind that were under a spiderweb all this time. Brush the dust off your creativity and your artistic skills with these best books for artists. Let your imagination speak instead of words.

Books For Artists

Andy Budd is a well-known figure in the design and technology communities. He is the founder of Clearleft, a user experience design agency based in Brighton, England. Clearleft has worked with a wide range of clients, including Google, the BBC, and the Financial Times.
In addition to his role at Clearleft, Andy is a highly sought-after speaker, having spoken at conferences such as SXSW, Webstock, and An Event Apart. He is also an advisor and coach to startups and a venture partner at Seedcamp, an early-stage investment fund.
Andy deeply understands user-centered design and how it can be used to create successful products and services. He is a strong advocate for the value of design in business and is a regular commentator on the intersection of design and technology.
Andy has written several books on design and technology, including "CSS Mastery" and "Designing Interfaces." He is also a frequent contributor to industry publications such as A List Apart and Smashing Magazine.
Overall, Andy Budd is a well-respected figure in the design and technology communities. He is known for his expertise in user-centered design and his ability to help startups and businesses create successful products and services. He is an accomplished speaker, author, and advisor and continues to be an influential figure in the industry.

Andy

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In Make It So, Christopher Noessel emphasizes the importance of design in our everyday lives. He encourages us to explore how design shapes our interactions with technology and the world around us. It's not just about aesthetics, but functionality and user experience too.

Understanding the Importance of Design

Noessel's book invites us to take a look at the interfaces seen in science fiction. He believes that these fictional interfaces can inspire real-world technological advancements. So, if you're a sci-fi fan, you'll find this perspective fascinating.

Learning from Sci-Fi Interfaces

Christopher Noessel's research in Make It So highlights the role of narrative in design. He suggests that storytelling can help make interfaces more intuitive and engaging. This is a fresh take on design that you might want to check out.

The Role of Narrative in Design

Make It So isn't just about the present. Noessel also takes us on a journey into the future of interaction design. He sees a world where technology is more integrated into our lives, and design plays a key role in this integration.

The Future of Interaction Design

What's great about Make It So is that it's not all theory. Noessel provides practical tips and guidelines for designers. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, you'll find these insights useful in your work.

Practical Design Tips

Make It So

Nail your presentation with the most popular and influential Design books on the market, covering everything from graphics to typography to branding.

design

Read the best Technology books to wrap your brain around modern marvels like computers, crypto, and cyber security. Silicon Valley, here you come!

technology

Jesse

The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, a book by Jesse Schell, shows that principles of psychology that work for board games and card games also work for top-quality video games. Good game design happens when you view your game from many perspectives, or lenses. The book gives the reader one hundred of these lenses—one hundred sets of insightful questions to ask yourself that will help improve your game. These lenses are gathered from fields as diverse as psychology, architecture, music, visual design, film, software engineering, theme park design, mathematics, writing, puzzle design and anthropology. Anyone who reads this book will be inspired to become a better game designer—and will understand how to do it.

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lecturer on the topics of consumer psychology and behavior design. He is well-known for his book Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products, which focuses on understanding how technology companies create products that users become addicted to.
Eyal has a background in business and psychology, having received his MBA from Stanford University and a BSc in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He has worked in the tech industry for over a decade and has held executive positions at several companies, including Yahoo and Time Warner.
Eyal has also founded two tech companies, AdNectar and Insightera, and is an investor in several startups. He has been an advisor or board member for numerous companies, including Eventbrite, Product Hunt, and BloomThat.
In addition to his business career, Eyal has written several books, including Hooked, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, and The Business of Habit: Designing Products and Services That Create Loyalty. He also writes a popular blog and hosts a podcast called The Nir and Far Show.
Eyal is a sought-after speaker, presenting to audiences all over the world. He has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes and has been a guest on many podcasts, including The Tim Ferriss Show and The Joe Rogan Experience.
If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of how to design products and services that capture and keep users’ attention, Nir Eyal is an excellent resource. His books, blog, podcast, and talks offer valuable insights into the world of consumer psychology and behavior design.

Ryan Hoover is a tech industry entrepreneur, investor, and expert. He is the founder and CEO of Product Hunt, a platform for discovering new products.
Ryan was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1984. He attended Western Washington University, where he studied Business, Computer Science, and Entrepreneurship. After graduating in 2006, Ryan moved to Silicon Valley and began working for various startups, such as PlayHaven and Svpply.
In 2013, Ryan founded Product Hunt, a platform for discovering new products and services. The platform quickly became popular, and Ryan was invited to speak at various tech events and conferences, such as SXSW and Web Summit.
In 2016, Ryan received the Thiel Fellowship, an award given to outstanding entrepreneurs under 25. That same year, Product Hunt was acquired by AngelList.
In addition to his work with Product Hunt, Ryan is also an active investor and advisor to various startups, such as Breeze, StatusPage, and Wethos. He is also a mentor at the startup accelerator 500 Startups.
Ryan is a prolific writer, and his articles have been featured in publications such as Fast Company, Wired, The Next Web, Wall Street Journal, and TechCrunch. He also hosts a popular podcast, Product Hunt Radio, which features interviews with tech industry thought leaders.&nbsp;
Ryan is an active tech community member and provides valuable advice and insights on product development, startups, and venture capital. He is considered one of the leading experts in the tech industry and his advice and insights are highly sought after.
Ryan is also a sought-after speaker and has spoken at events such as the World Economic Forum and TEDx. In addition, he is a proponent of the Lean Startup methodology and has written extensively about it on his blog. Ryan has also been featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine and was named one of the “30 Under 30” by Inc. Magazine in 2016.&nbsp;
In addition to his work in the tech industry, Ryan is also active in the philanthropic world. He is a board member of the Startup Leadership Program, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship, training, and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. Ryan is also a supporter of the ACLU and has spoken out in favor of immigration reform and LGBT rights.

Ryan

Will Wright

Jane McGonigal

Raph Koster

In The Art of Game Design, Jesse Schell emphasizes the importance of understanding the player's perspective. He suggests that game designers should step into the shoes of the players to create an engaging and immersive experience. So, if you're a game designer, take a look at your game from the player's point of view. You might find some surprising insights!

Understanding the Player's Perspective

Schell highlights the power of storytelling in game design. He believes that a compelling narrative can make a game more engaging and memorable. So, if you're planning to design a game, don't forget to weave a captivating story into it. It could be the key to your game's success!

The Power of Storytelling

The Art of Game Design also explores the importance of game mechanics. Schell explains that mechanics are the rules and procedures that guide the player and the game. So, if you're a game designer, make sure to research and understand the mechanics of your game. It's what makes your game tick!

The Importance of Game Mechanics

Schell also talks about the role of aesthetics in game design. He believes that the visual and auditory elements of a game can greatly enhance the player's experience. So, take some time to check the aesthetics of your game. A visually appealing game can attract more players!

The Role of Aesthetics in Game Design

In his book, Schell discusses the delicate balance between challenge and fun in game design. He suggests that a game should be challenging enough to keep the player engaged, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. So, if you're designing a game, make sure to find that sweet spot between challenge and fun. It could make your game a hit!

The Balance between Challenge and Fun

The Art of Game Design

Adam

Steve

 Professionals Adam Wathan and Steve Schoger are the authors of this book.  It is written primarily for software developers who want to design their own digital products.  The tone and style of the book is intended to be a practical guide to design in the digital world.  The format of the book differs from other books on UI and UX design by focusing on UI-specific topics and providing valuable examples, pattern libraries, and advice that you can use to improve your own skills. 

Jordan Hughes is a multidisciplinary Product Designer from Melbourne, Australia, specializing in product design, design systems, and Webflow development. He is the founder of Untitled UI and Good Books and co-founder of Himalayas. Jordan's work has been featured on Typewolf, Mindsparkle Magazine, Webflow, Fonts In Use, CSS Winner, httpster, Siteinspire, and Best Website Gallery.
In late 2021, Jordan launched Untitled UI, the ultimate UI kit and design system for Figma that focuses on quality. Untitled UI is the most extensive UI kit for Figma in the world. In short, Untitled was the #1 design and tech product on Gumroad and is being used by designers from some of the world's top companies, including Spotify, Mailchimp, Webflow, and Google.
Jordan recently launched Untitled UI Icons, a clean, consistent, and neutral icon library explicitly crafted for modern UI design. This project was the #1 Product of the Week on Product Hunt and is now the highest-rated icon library for sale on Gumroad.
He built goodbooks.io, the most extensive curated collection of 8,500+ book recommendations from some of the world's most successful and attractive people. This project was the #1 Product of the Day on Product Hunt. Jordan sold this project in December 2021.
Prior, Jordan was Head of Design at UpGuard, one of the world's fastest-growing cyber security SaaS platforms, with global customers including NASA and the New York Stock Exchange. He worked closely with the growth and product teams to help improve the UX of their enterprise-level software and the customer experience. I also built and managed UpGuard's new website.
In 2016, Jordan was the second employee at Spaceship. Spaceship was the fastest-growing new entrant in the world, growing to $100m in assets and amassing a 50k+ waitlist in just 3-months. By the time he left in 2019, Spaceship had grown to 60+ employees and $250m in assets. They're now managing over $1bn in assets. He also designed pitch decks that raised $40m+ in venture capital along the way. Hughes has worked with Australian startups that have raised over $110m in funding from some of the most notable investors in the world.

Jordan

Charlotte Prangley, also known as Charli Marie, is a British graphic designer, illustrator, and creator of the popular design blog and YouTube channel "CharliMarieTV." She is known for her branding, web design, and illustration work, as well as her tutorials and lectures on design-related topics. She also started an online course on graphic design and Illustration, which has a good reputation for teaching beginner and intermediate students.
CharliMarieTV is a YouTube channel focusing on graphic design, illustration, and web design. It features a variety of tutorials, lectures, and other educational content for designers at all levels of experience. The channel has many subscribers, and its community highly values its content. It covers branding, logo design, typography, web design, and design software tutorials such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
Charli Marie has built a reputation for her high-quality work, strong design skills, and excellent social media following, and she is well-respected in the design community.

Charli

In Refactoring UI, Adam Wathan emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of design. He believes that anyone can become a good designer by learning the fundamental principles. So, take some time to explore the basics of color, typography, and layout.

Understanding the Basics

Wathan suggests that you should always design with real data. This means you should avoid using placeholder content and instead use actual content that reflects what users will see. This will help you create more realistic and effective designs.

Designing with Real Data

The book Refactoring UI encourages you to see design as a way to solve problems, not just create pretty pictures. This means you should focus on making your designs functional and easy to use, rather than just visually appealing.

Solving Problems, Not Creating Art

He also talks about the importance of an iterative design process. This means you should constantly be testing and refining your designs, based on feedback and user testing. So, don't be afraid to make changes and improvements as you go along.

Iterative Design Process

Finally, the book encourages you to design for different screens. This means you should consider how your design will look on different devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers. So, always check your designs on different screens to ensure they work well everywhere.

Designing for Different Screens

Refactoring UI

Basecamp

Getting Real is packed with keep-it-simple insights, contrarian points of view, and unconventional approaches to software design.  This isn't a technical book or a design tutorial; it's a book of ideas for anyone working on a web app—including entrepreneurs, designers, programmers, executives, or marketers. 

John Maeda's career has spanned various design, technology, and education roles. He began his career as a computer scientist, working on projects at MIT's Media Lab. In 2001, he joined the faculty at the MIT Media Lab as an associate professor and later served as the director of the research lab's Aesthetics and Computation Group. In 2008, he was appointed President of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he served until 2013.
After leaving RISD, Maeda joined Kleiner Perkins as a Partner, focusing on design in technology startups. From 2015 to 2017, he was Design Partner at a venture capital firm. In 2018, he joined Automattic as Global Head of Computational Design and Inclusion. In this role, he leads the company's design and inclusion efforts and works on further integrating technology and design into the company's products.
John Maeda has received several awards throughout his career for his contributions to design and technology. Some notable mentions include:
<ul>
<li>Design Mind Award from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in 2012</li>
<li>AIGA Medal in 2012</li>
<li>Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business in 2012</li>
<li>BusinessWeek's Design Innovator of the Year in 2006</li>
<li>National Design Award for Communication Design from the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in 2001</li>
<li>Id Magazine's Interactive Design Review in 2001</li>
<li>Webby Award for Best Use of Animation in 2000</li>
</ul>
He also served as the Jury President for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2018. These are just a few of the many awards and honors that John Maeda has received over the years. He is highly respected in design and technology, and his work has significantly impacted the industry.
Throughout his career, Maeda has also been an active speaker and author. He has given talks at various conferences and events worldwide and has written several books, including "The Laws of Simplicity" and "Redesigning Leadership." He has also been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the field of design and technology.

John

Girish Mathrubootham is an Indian entrepreneur, angel investor, and technology executive. He is the Chairman and CEO of Freshworks, a leading customer relationship management software company. He is also an active angel investor and adviser to SaaS start-ups.
Girish has had an impressive career in the technology industry. He started off his career working for IBM as a software engineer. He then went on to become an advisor for several technology companies, including Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft. He also has several venture fund investments under his belt, including investments in companies such as Tally Solutions, Wingify, and Chargebee.
In 2010, Girish founded Freshworks, a customer relationship management (CRM) software company. He has been the company’s Chairman and CEO since then, leading the company to its current status as a global leader in the CRM space.
Under Girish’s leadership, Freshworks has become one of the world’s most renowned customer relationship management software companies. The company has secured over $400 million in funding and has acquired numerous companies, such as Natero and Reply.io, to expand its product offerings.
Girish is also an active angel investor and adviser to SaaS start-ups. He has invested in a number of firms, such as Chargebee, Wingify, and Zoho. He is also an advisor to a number of companies, including Freshdesk, Freshworks, and Zoho.
Girish has also been recognized for his achievements in the industry. He was named one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs in India by the World Economic Forum, and he was also named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the CRM space by Gartner.
Girish is an inspiring figure in the technology industry. He has successfully built a global company, invested in SaaS start-ups, and advised companies. He is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.

Girish

Mark Cuban

Jeff Bezos

Elon Musk

Bill Gates

Tim Cook

Basecamp suggests that limitations can actually fuel creativity. Instead of seeing constraints as obstacles, view them as opportunities to innovate and make the most out of what you have. This can lead to more efficient and effective solutions.

Embrace Constraints

The book emphasizes the importance of simplicity. It's not about having the most features or options, but about having the right ones. By focusing on what's truly essential, you can create a product that's easy to use and understand.

Less is More

Getting Real encourages you to release your product early and then continuously improve it based on real-world feedback. This approach allows you to adapt to changes and make sure your product meets the needs of your users.

Iterate and Improve

Basecamp advises not to get too caught up in long-term planning. Instead, focus on what you can do today to move your project forward. This approach keeps you flexible and responsive to changes.

Focus on Today

One of the key insights from the book is to build a product that you would use yourself. This ensures that you're passionate about the product and have a deep understanding of what it needs to be successful.

Build for Yourself

Getting Real

Deep thinking is rare in this field, where most companies are glad to copy designs that were great back in the 1970s.&nbsp;
This unique guide to interactive system design reflects the experience and vision of Jef Raskin, the creator of the Apple Macintosh. Other books may show how to use today's widgets and interface ideas effectively.&nbsp;
Raskin, however, demonstrates that many current interface paradigms are dead ends and that making computers significantly easier to use requires new approaches. He explains how to effect desperately needed changes, offering a wealth of innovative and specific interface ideas for software designers, developers, and product managers.&nbsp;

Dustin Moskovitz is an American entrepreneur and investor best known as the co-founder of the social network Facebook and the software company Asana. He was born on May 22, 1984, in Gainesville, Florida.
Moskovitz attended Harvard University, where he studied computer science and economics. He dropped out after two years to launch Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Chris Hughes, and Andrew McCollum. Moskovitz was the company's first chief technology officer, and his responsibilities included product design, software development, and marketing. In 2008, Moskovitz left Facebook to found the software company Asana with Justin Rosenstein, an engineering manager he had met at Facebook. As CEO and co-founder of Asana, Moskovitz has overseen the company’s growth and success, including its Series C funding round of $50 million in 2013.
Moskovitz is a noted philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including the Open Society Foundations and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation. His philanthropic focus is on global health and development, education, human rights, and democracy. He and his wife, Cari Tuna, established the philanthropic organization Good Ventures in 2011, which has provided funding for organizations such as the Against Malaria Foundation and the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Moskovitz is an active investor. He has invested in and provided capital to a number of startups, including Airbnb, Slack, Instacart, and Cruise Automation. He also serves on the board of directors of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Moskovitz and Tuna are signatories of The Giving Pledge, a commitment to donate more than half of their wealth to charitable causes. In 2014, they were ranked by Forbes as the youngest self-made billionaires in the United States.
Moskovitz is an avid supporter of the tech community and regularly speaks at industry events and conferences. He is also a member of the board of advisors of Y Combinator, a seed accelerator program that helps launch startups. In 2010, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine.
He has been featured in numerous publications and was profiled in a book titled The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That is Connecting the World. Moskovitz is a champion of open-source software and has co-authored several books on the subject. He has also been named one of the world’s most influential people by Vanity Fair and one of Fortune's most powerful people in tech.

Dustin

Bret Victor is a computer scientist and interaction designer known for his work in human-computer interaction. He began his career as a software engineer, working at companies such as Lucasfilm and Apple. He was part of the team that designed the user interface for the iPad. He also worked at startups and consulted for companies in the technology industry.
In addition to his work in industry, Victor is also known for his talks and writing on the future of computing. He is a proponent of creating more direct and immediate ways for people to interact with computers and has advocated for the development of better tools for programming. He has written several influential essays on the topic, including "The Future of Programming" and "Inventing on Principle."
Victor has also been involved in researching and developing new interaction models and tools for creative codings, such as the "Dynamicland" project, which aimed at creating a new way of interacting with computers through direct manipulation and physicality.
In recent years, Victor has been involved in a " Learnable Programming project," which aims to make programming more accessible and understandable to a broader audience.
In summary, Bret Victor is known for his work in human-computer interaction, particularly for his emphasis on the importance of creative tools for programmers and other digital creators, his writing and talks on the future of computing, and his research on new interaction models and tools for creative coding.

Bret

In The Humane Interface, Jef Raskin emphasizes the importance of designing interfaces with the user in mind. He believes that a good interface should be intuitive and easy to use, reducing the cognitive load on the user. So, if you're into designing, you might want to check this book out.

The Importance of User-Centric Design

Raskin introduces the concept of 'cognitive consciousness' in his book. He suggests that designers should understand how users think and process information. This will help them create interfaces that are more user-friendly. It's a fascinating concept to explore if you're interested in psychology and design.

The Concept of 'Cognitive Consciousness'

He also talks about 'mode errors' in The Humane Interface. These are mistakes made by users when an interface behaves differently than expected. Raskin argues that these errors can be reduced by designing interfaces that behave consistently. It's a great insight for anyone looking to improve their design skills.

The Harm of Mode Errors

Raskin is a big advocate for simplicity in design. He believes that the best interfaces are those that are simple and straightforward. This book will make you see the power of simplicity in a new light. It's a must-read for anyone interested in minimalist design.

The Power of Simplicity

In The Humane Interface, you'll find that Raskin stresses the need for quantitative usability metrics. He believes that these metrics can help designers make better decisions and create more user-friendly interfaces. If you're into data-driven design, you'll definitely want to dig into this book.

The Need for Quantitative Usability Metrics

The Humane Interface

Web standards are technical specifications defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure that web designers and browser manufacturers use the same syntax when creating their pages.&nbsp;
These specifications help make sure that content is compatible with multiple different viewing devices, such as screen readers for people with vision impairments. HTML, XML, and CSS are all examples of web standards.
&nbsp;This book is your essential guide to understanding the advantages you can bring to your web pages by implementing web standards and precisely how to apply them.

Zack Onisko is a technology entrepreneur and executive with a career spanning multiple companies and industries. He has held several leadership roles in the technology sector, including:
<ul>
<li>CEO of DLA Piper, a global law firm.</li>
<li>CEO of Matter Labs, a web3 infrastructure company.</li>
<li>Head of Product at Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange and wallet service.</li>
<li>CEO at Humin, a social media analytics startup.</li>
</ul>
In addition to these roles, Onisko has also served as an advisor to multiple technology startups and venture capital firms. As an experienced technology entrepreneur and executive, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to these companies, helping them navigate the challenges of growing and scaling a business.
Zack Onisko has a deep understanding of product development, business strategy, and fundraising, and is able to provide valuable guidance to startups in these areas. As an advisor, he works closely with the leadership teams at these companies to help them achieve their goals and succeed in the competitive tech industry.

Zack

Jeffrey Zeldman

Molly Holzschlag

Eric Meyer

Dave Shea

In 'Web Standards Solutions', Dan Cederholm emphasizes the importance of adhering to web standards. He explains how it can make your website more accessible, easier to maintain, and improve its performance. It's a must-read for anyone looking to create a top-notch website.

Importance of Web Standards

Cederholm takes a practical approach in his book. He doesn't just tell you why web standards are important, he shows you how to implement them. You'll find real-world examples and step-by-step guides that you can apply to your own projects.

Practical Approach

The book provides a deep dive into CSS and HTML, two key components of web standards. You'll learn how to use these tools to create clean, efficient code. If you're new to these languages, this book will be a great resource.

CSS and HTML

One of the key takeaways from 'Web Standards Solutions' is the problem-solving techniques. Cederholm presents common web design problems and then provides solutions using web standards. It's like having a web design expert guiding you through your challenges.

Problem-Solving Techniques

Lastly, the book explores how to future-proof your website. With technology constantly evolving, it's important to build websites that can adapt. Cederholm shares tips and strategies to ensure your website stands the test of time.

Future-Proofing Your Website

Web Standards Solutions

Designed to appeal to hobbyists and professionals, this definitive guide covers the history of graphic design with hundreds of color illustrations.  It also describes the fundamentals of typography and design, the work process, and the methods used by major designers as they solve problems. 

Michael Bierut is an American graphic designer, author, and educator. His career in graphic design began in the 1980s when he began working at Vignelli Associates, a New York-based design firm. In 1990, he joined Pentagram as a partner in the firm's New York office. At Pentagram, Bierut works on many projects, including branding, packaging, and environmental design, for clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue, The New York Times, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Throughout his career, Bierut has also been a frequent speaker and author on design-related topics. He has written for publications such as Print, Communication Arts, and Eye and has been a regular contributor to the design website Design Observer. He has also taught at the Yale School of Art and the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Michael Bierut has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career as a graphic designer. Some of his notable awards include:
<ul>
<li>AIGA Medal: The highest honor given by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), which recognizes exceptional achievements in the field of graphic design.</li>
<li>Smithsonian National Design Award for Communication Design: Presented by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in recognition of outstanding communication design achievements.</li>
<li>Type Directors Club Medal: Presented by the Type Directors Club in recognition of outstanding achievement in typography.</li>
<li>Gold Medal from the Society of Publication Designers: Presented in recognition of outstanding design in magazine and newspaper design.</li>
<li>Gold Medal from the Art Directors Club of New York: Presented in recognition of outstanding design in advertising and graphic design.</li>
<li>Gold Medal from the New York Type Directors Club: Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in typography.</li>
<li>The Design Mind Award: Presented by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum for his exceptional work in design and his contributions to the design community</li>
</ul>
Bierut has also been honored with several lifetime achievement awards from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Type Directors Club, and the Graphic Design USA awards. He is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI).
Bierut has also been involved in several other design-related ventures, such as co-founding the design education non-profit Design Observer and serving on the board of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Type Directors Club.

Michael

Paul Rand

Milton Glaser

Paula Scher

David Carson

Stefan Sagmeister

S. Neil Fujita's book, Aim for a Job in Graphic Design/Art, emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of graphic design. He suggests that before you start creating, you should first explore the principles of design, color theory, and typography. This foundation will help you create more effective and visually appealing designs.

Fujita highlights the importance of creativity in graphic design. He encourages readers to think outside the box and experiment with different design elements. Don't be afraid to break the rules and try something new. This could be the key to creating a unique and memorable design.

The Importance of Creativity

One of the key takeaways from Aim for a Job in Graphic Design/Art is the importance of building a strong portfolio. Fujita advises that your portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your skills and creativity. It's your chance to impress potential employers, so make sure it represents you well.

Building a Portfolio

The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the field of graphic design. Fujita suggests that you should always be on the lookout for new trends and techniques. This will help you stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of design.

Continuous Learning

Fujita also highlights the importance of networking and collaboration in the graphic design industry. He suggests that you should connect with other designers and professionals in the field. This can open up new opportunities and help you learn from others' experiences.

Networking and Collaboration

Aim for a Job in Graphic Design/Art

Yesenia

Having a good design system can help you create digital products more quickly and easily.  But the best design systems support not only the efficiency but also the creativity of the team working on them.  Expressive Design Systems, by Yesenia Perez-Cruz, teaches you how to build a useful and dependable system that maintains harmony across your products, as well as how to flex to accommodate inspiration and experimentation. 

Johnnie Gomez is a designer and sticker collector based in Washington, DC. He is a Senior Brand Designer at Webflow and co-founder of Cruz Barcelona, a web-focused digital agency. Johnnie is a creative and highly motivated individual who loves to create and share his work with the world.
Johnnie has a passion for creating aesthetically pleasing designs and products that focus on communication and interaction. His work focuses on modern, simple, and clean visuals for digital media. He specializes in creating logos, illustrations, and web design. Johnnie is also an experienced typographer and enjoys creating custom fonts for clients.
Johnnie has a deep appreciation for art and culture. He is an avid collector of vintage stickers and has used his collection to create unique and creative pieces of art. His artwork has been featured in several publications, including Vogue, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Johnnie also has a passion for teaching and mentoring. He has taught classes at the Corcoran College of Art and Design and at the Parsons School of Design. He has also mentored many young designers in the DC area and has been a keynote speaker at several conferences.
Johnnie is a passionate believer in the power of collaboration. He believes that by working together, we can create amazing things. He is always looking for ways to collaborate with other designers and artists.
Johnnie is an active member of the Washington, DC, design community. He is a founding member of DC Design Week, a week-long festival celebrating the design and creative community in the DC area. He is also a co-organizer of the DC Sticker Expo, an annual event that showcases the best sticker artists from around the world.
Johnnie Gomez is a talented designer, artist, and mentor. His passion for design and art is evident in every project he works on. He is passionate about teaching and mentoring and is always looking for ways to collaborate with other designers and artists. He is an inspiring role model for young designers and a great asset to the DC design community.

Johnnie

Ethan Marcotte

Sara Soueidan

Brad Frost

Jen Simmons

Chris Coyier

Yesenia Perez-Cruz emphasizes the importance of design systems in creating consistent and efficient digital products. She encourages readers to explore the concept of design systems and see how they can be used to improve their work.

Understanding the Importance of Design Systems

The book highlights the role of effective communication in design. Perez-Cruz suggests that designers should not only focus on creating visually appealing designs but also ensure that they communicate the right message to the audience.

The Role of Communication in Design

Expressive Design Systems encourages readers to look into the power of expressive design. It's not just about making things look good, but also about creating a design that resonates with the audience and evokes emotions.

The Power of Expressive Design

Yesenia Perez-Cruz provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a design system. She encourages readers to research and find the best practices that suit their needs and preferences.

The Process of Creating a Design System

The book explores how design systems can have a significant impact on business. It can improve efficiency, consistency, and even contribute to the overall success of a business. So, it's worth taking the time to check out and dig into the world of design systems.

The Impact of Design Systems on Business

Expressive Design Systems

For the first time in hundreds of years, the role of the typographer has changed because of the web. We no longer decide; we suggest.
We no longer simply choose typefaces, font sizes, line spacing, and margins; we prepare and instruct text to make those choices.
In this book, Tim Brown illuminates the complex, beautiful world of typesetting—arguably the essential part of typography because it forms the backbone of the reading experience—and shows us how to dodge the inevitable pressures that arise when we can no longer predict how, and where, our text will be read.

Jeremiah Shoaf is a freelance designer and art director based in Oregon who takes pride in helping clients bring their creative visions to life. He has a knack for finding solutions that bring out the best in a project, whether it's a website, logo, branding materials, or anything else.
Before becoming a freelance designer, Jeremiah worked for several agencies in the Portland area, where he honed his skills in design and art direction. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Communication Arts, Print Magazine, and HOW Magazine.
He has a passion for typography and is the creator and curator of Typewolf, an independent typography site that helps designers choose the perfect font combinations. His site is a valuable resource for design professionals, offering up-to-date advice on the latest trends and tools in the typography world. He also offers free typography resources such as fonts, tutorials, and guides.
In addition to his freelance design work and Typewolf, Jeremiah also serves as a mentor to aspiring designers. He frequently speaks at design conferences and workshops, where he provides valuable insight and advice to those just starting out.
Jeremiah takes great pride in helping his clients and mentees bring their creative visions to life. His knowledge, skill, and dedication to the craft make him an invaluable asset to any creative endeavor.

Jeremiah

Jason Santa Maria

Ellen Lupton

Erik Spiekermann

Jessica Hische

Michael Bierut

In 'Flexible Typesetting', Tim Brown emphasizes the importance of flexibility in typesetting. He suggests that the ability to adapt to different screen sizes, resolutions, and user preferences is crucial in the digital age. So, if you're into web design or digital publishing, you might want to check this book out.

Understanding the Importance of Flexibility

Brown explores the concept of balance in typesetting. He believes that a good balance between type size, line height, and line length can significantly improve readability. If you're struggling with making your content visually appealing and easy to read, this book might have the answers you're looking for.

The Art of Balance

The author stresses the role of context in typesetting. He explains that understanding the context in which your content will be consumed can help you make better typesetting decisions. So, if you're looking to improve your typesetting skills, you should definitely take a look at 'Flexible Typesetting'.

The Role of Context

In his book, Tim Brown digs into the power of proportions in typesetting. He suggests that using proportions can help create a more harmonious and visually pleasing layout. If you're interested in learning more about this, 'Flexible Typesetting' is a must-read.

The Power of Proportions

He also highlights the importance of user experience in typesetting. Brown argues that considering the user's needs and preferences can lead to a more effective and engaging design. If you're looking to enhance your user experience, you might want to explore the insights offered in this book.

The Importance of User Experience

Flexible Typesetting

Laura

10 steps to accessibility: learn about disability and impairment issues; understand important laws and guidelines; and discover how to plan for, evaluate, and test accessible design.  A solid set of best practices: clear copywriting, well-structured IA, meaningful HTML, thoughtful design. 

Tim Berners-Lee

Lea Verou

Jeremy Keith

Laura Kalbag emphasizes the importance of accessibility in digital design. She believes that everyone should be able to use the internet without any barriers. This book will help you understand why accessibility matters and how it can make a difference in people's lives.

Understanding the Importance of Accessibility

The book provides practical tips and guidelines on how to make your website or app accessible to everyone. From color contrast to keyboard navigation, Kalbag covers all the essential aspects you need to consider. You'll find it easy to implement these changes once you've read the book.

Practical Tips for Implementing Accessibility

Kalbag introduces the concept of inclusive design, which goes beyond just accessibility. It's about designing for a diverse range of people and ensuring that everyone can use your product, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. This book will help you see the value in inclusive design.

Inclusive Design Principles

Did you know that accessibility is not just a moral obligation, but also a legal requirement in many places? Laura Kalbag explores the legal and ethical aspects of accessibility, helping you understand why it's crucial to comply with these standards.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Accessibility

One of the best parts of 'Accessibility for Everyone' is the real-life examples and case studies. These will help you understand how accessibility works in practice and inspire you to make your own digital products more accessible. So, take a look at this book and start making a difference today.

Case Studies and Real-Life Examples

Accessibility for Everyone

Mike

Most UX/UI designers didn’t plan to be in this profession. Most just “landed here on their creative path. ” Some former architects have become UX/UI designers, as have marketers, bartenders, and developers.&nbsp;
The career can seem rewarding at first, but it is important to keep a strong work ethic and know your limits. The book Design is a Job: Designing Web Applications by Mike Monteiro offers good information on making a living as a designer.&nbsp;
The book discusses strategy, interface design, and building websites. Design is a Job that helps designers understand how to treat design as a serious career by helping them think about how their company treats design and their own responsibilities for quality work.

David Airey

Mike Monteiro emphasizes that design is not just about creativity, it's a serious business. He encourages designers to understand their worth and not to undervalue their work. So, if you're a designer, take a look at how you're pricing your work and see if you're really valuing your skills.

Design is a Serious Business

In 'Design Is a Job', Monteiro highlights the importance of effective communication. He believes that a good designer should be able to articulate their ideas clearly to clients. So, if you're struggling to get your ideas across, this book might just have the tips you need.

Communication is Key

Mike Monteiro stresses the importance of having a contract in place before starting any design work. He believes that a well-drafted contract can protect both the designer and the client. So, if you're a designer, it's time to research and find out more about contracts.

The Importance of Contracts

In this book, he explores the ethical side of design. He argues that designers have a responsibility to create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ethically sound. So, if you're interested in the ethical implications of design, you should definitely check out 'Design Is a Job'.

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Make It So

368 pages, 2012

Nathan Shedroff

Christopher Noessel

design

technology

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Andy Budd

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