The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams

For nearly two decades, Robin Williams has been the go-to author for anyone looking to understand the basics of great design. Her light-hearted and accessible style makes complex design principles easy to grasp, even for those without a design background. The fourth edition of The Non-Designer’s Design Book includes updated projects, more quizzes, and new visual examples to inspire your creativity. Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, a type novice, or an aspiring graphic designer, this book will give you the confidence to tackle any design project. This essential guide covers the four principles of design, how to work with color and type, and how to combine typefaces effectively. It also provides specific tips for designing newsletters, brochures, flyers, and other projects. With Robin Williams' practical advice and engaging examples, you'll learn to see and think like a professional designer, making your designs look polished and professional.

Reviews

Medium · L. Zhou · 2023-01-01

informative 4.00

The book emphasizes that design is about effective communication, not just aesthetics. It provides practical insights and exercises to help readers understand and apply design principles.

This reviewer found the book to be a great introduction to design principles, emphasizing that good design is about clear communication rather than just making things look attractive. The practical exercises and insights make it accessible and useful for anyone looking to improve their design skills. They appreciate the book's ability to break down complex concepts into understandable and actionable advice, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. The book's focus on the fundamentals of design, such as typography and layout, is particularly highlighted as being both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

Design is not just about making something look pretty — it is a fundamental part of communication.

The book provides practical insights and exercises to help readers understand and apply design principles.

Good design is about clear communication rather than just making things look attractive.

Scott William Foley · Scott William Foley · 2022-10-31

potent 4.50

The book is concise and potent, offering a wealth of information in a slim volume. It is a great resource for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of design.

Scott William Foley found the book to be remarkably concise yet packed with valuable information. They appreciate how the book distills complex design principles into easily digestible concepts, making it a potent resource for learning. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to engage readers with its straightforward and informative approach, making it suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh their design knowledge. The book's practical advice and exercises are particularly noted as being both useful and engaging, helping readers to apply what they've learned in real-world situations. Overall, they found the book to be a great introduction to design principles, offering a wealth of information in a slim volume.

Quick quotes

Though slim, I learned a great deal from The Non-Designer's Design Book.

The book is concise, potent, and informative–just like a good design.

It distills complex design principles into easily digestible concepts.

Goodreads · 2011-01-01

enjoyable 4.00

The book's humor-infused, jargon-free prose makes learning design principles a snap. It is interspersed with exercises, quizzes, and illustrations that enhance the learning experience.

This reviewer appreciates the book's humor-infused and jargon-free prose, which makes learning design principles both enjoyable and accessible. The inclusion of exercises, quizzes, and illustrations is highlighted as particularly effective in reinforcing the concepts discussed. They find the book to be a great resource for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of design, as it breaks down complex ideas into understandable and engaging content. The reviewer also notes that the book's practical approach, with its focus on real-world applications, makes it a valuable tool for both beginners and those looking to improve their design skills. Overall, they found the book to be an enjoyable and informative read, offering a wealth of practical advice and insights.

Quick quotes

Humor-infused, jargon-free prose interspersed with design exercises, quizzes, illustrations, and dozens of examples make learning a snap.

The book's practical approach, with its focus on real-world applications, makes it a valuable tool.

It breaks down complex ideas into understandable and engaging content.

Appears in Lists

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