A review by _b_a_l_
The Shape of Design by Frank Chimero

3.0

In the beginning I found this book frustrating because I'm looking for books that will improve my design work and this felt like a book of philosophy (and a slightly cliched one at that).

But:

1. It does get better and actually makes some excellent points.
2. I think that philosophy is probably more central to the practice than I really believe.*

Some things that I've learned (or at least read about and that is the first step):

Design = a verb. It is a process and a practice. This means that the ultimate artifact is really just a means to the end.
Design = a vocabulary to define terms of engagement within a complex social ecosystem.
Design = message + tone + format
Design = a field of outcomes and consequences more than one of artifacts.
Design = management of contributions
Design = balance of authority and surrendered control

Delightful** design = memorable because of superior fit
Delightful** design = engaged in consequential human way.

Start with the objectives, the why of the project. Then come up with the worst idea possible and work backwards from there. You have guaranteed momentum towards improvement.

Limitations mean you don't have to wait for the muse to show up. (This is really the heart of a mobile first approach.)

A story = change over time. Even moving through a website is a time based narrative.

The adjacent possible is how much genes and ideas can change. Some people can push through this.

Designers are inside/are part of the ecosystem in which they live.

Design's target is defined by end users. These change constantly. Design is temporary.

Social platforms should design to optimize thankfulness for interactions and relationships over consumption of information.

Surprise counters entitlement and predictability.

Serendipity = unexpected relevancy

Cold or excessivled composed projects are more indicative of a lack of understanding than professionalism.

And my personal favourites:

Use the scent of fish to make your life/design/practice better, and...

Always do things "the long, hard, stupid way." (Audiences can sense this).

And this is quite beautiful:

"And if you look closely, and ignore the things that do not matter, what comes into focus is simply this: there is the world we live in and one that we imagine. It is by our movement and invention that we inch closer to the latter. The world shapes us, and we get to shape the world."

* This review is part of B's reading books for work series. This is why is focuses more on content and less on the writing.

** This made me hate this word less.