Must read/have design books.

Design Discussions general design discussion
1

I’m applying to industrial design university and its’s really hard to get in, I mean real hard. So my question is what do ya’ll suggest, are some books, I must read, buy? Not only that are good for now but on the long term as well. thanks.

2

The Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics:::

http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Factors-Ergonomics-Gavriel-Salvendy/dp/0471449172

3

Creating Breakthrough Products: Innovation from Product Planning to Program Approval by Jonathan Cagan

The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman

The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm by Tom Kelley

Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design by Kara Johnson

Designing for the Digital Age: How to Create Human-Centered Products and Services by Kim Goodwin

4

Design for the real world - Victor Papanek
In the bubble: Designing in a Complex world - John Thackera

5

“I’ve never met an Industrial Designer that has not read my book” - Dick Powell about his Presentation Techniques (paraphrased, I hope I got it somewhat correct.)

6

You can’t go wrong with a little Donald Norman and a little Richard Powell to get theory and practice covered. I’ve got books by both, all well worn and re-read.

I also just picked up “A Fine Line, how design strategies are shaping the future of business” by Hartmut Esslinger, founder of frog design.

7

Donald Norman’s Design of Everyday Things is a must read.

8

I second this. also there is “Designing Breakthrough Products”

9

By Design: Why There Are No Locks on the Bathroom Doors in the Hotel Louis XIV and Other Object Lessons
~ Ralph Caplan

10

Designers are Wankers - Lee McCormak

11

This is not “ID” but, it will help with your hand-skills and proportions…

bridgman’s: Complete guide to drawing

http://www.amazon.com/Bridgmans-Complete-Guide-Drawing-Life/dp/0806930152

12

thanks for the replies, I’ll start reading rigth away.

13

Anyone have any design history book recommendations?

14

hmmm, that would be a keeper. There are plenty of coffee table books highlighting “Art Deco” and “Mid-Century Modern” but I don’t know a of a comprehensive history of design, starting with where we evolved from, craftsmen (woodworkers, blacksmiths), machinists, pattern-makers, draftsmen, technical and commercial illustrators and rolling through our evolving roles in business and strategic design.

15

Modernism in Art, Design and Architecture - Christopher Crouch

The Industrial Design Reader - Carma Gordon

16

The ten faces of innovation… form IDEO guys