As the air cools and the nights draw in, is there a better time of year to curl up with a good book?
Whilst the relentless pursuit of knowledge is now far more lead by the digital realm, there are those amongst us who still enjoy a good, old-fashioned book. Browsing a bookshelf, turning pages, making notes, pausing to reflect – these are tactile pleasures that few tablets can afford. With this in mind we decided to review our own (bespoke, of course) bookshelves to bring together our preferred pick of publications about a subject that is perpetually close to our hearts: good design.
Some recently published, others classics to dust off from bookshelf, these design books might inspire, offer practical solutions or simply share insight in the creative process that impacts us all every single day…
The Design of Everyday Things | Don Norman
Originally published in 1988 by cognitive scientist and usability engineer Donald Norman, ‘The Design of Everyday Things considers how design serves as the communication between object and user, and how to optimise that conduit of communication.
It examines good design’s basic principles alongside the psychopathology of everyday things, the complexity of modern design, human-centred design, and the fundamental principle of interaction in terms of product use.
This dissection of the cognitive aspects of design contains examples of both good and bad design and simple rules that designers can use to improve the usability of objects as diverse as cars, computers, doors, and telephones. After reading this you may never look at any man-made object in the same way again…
Design a Healthy Home | Oliver Heath
Spring Light The Anglepoise Story | Jonathan Glancey
Spring Light shines a light on the design history of the famous Anglepoise lamp. Starting with the beginnings of the company with George Carwardine, the designer behind the lamp, the book takes you through an illuminating journey of the development and influence of this British icon.
Enchanting the world with its light-to-the-touch and anthropomorphic design, the unique and characterful form has adorned the worktables of everyone, from writers to engineers, from the Second World War through to the 21st century. Today, the lamp is a sure sign of quality and has been hailed as a hallmark of British design.
This history of the little metal lamp explains why it feels like an extension of the human body. It details the fan club that includes everyone from Pablo Picasso to the Queen and Roald Dahl. Photographer David Bailey says that when he first bought himself a “mechanical giraffe”, it was the first time he’d thought about design.
Spring Light: The Anglepoise Story by Jonathan Glancey will be published on 26 October 2021.
Categories:Interiors & Lifestyle