Four Books I've Read in My Product Design Master Course

Early in my design education, a mantra dominated: "Research before you sketch!"  This resonated deeply – understanding existing solutions was key. I meticulously focused on market trends, competitor analysis, and user feedback, mastering the details of design research.  However, this meticulousness led to a blind spot: the bigger picture.

My Master's course at Nottingham Trent University served as a crucial turning point. Suddenly, the focus wasn't just on user needs.  We delved into how economic climate, social issues, and even the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could influence design decisions.  The vastness of potentially relevant information initially felt overwhelming. Where could I even begin?

That's where lifelong learning became my saving grace. By exposing myself to social, environmental, and economic issues, I have re-built my foundation of knowledge. Imagine this: through ongoing exploration, designers create a reservoir of "design common sense." When a new project arises, we don't need to start from scratch. We can quickly delve into the specifics, already armed with a wider understanding.

Here are some influential books that fueled my master journey:

1. 'Design Emergency' by Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli

Photo: V&A Dundee

'Design Emergency' was a revelation for me. While published a few years ago, it remains a vital resource. The authors explore how design can be a powerful force in addressing critical social, ecological, and gender equality issues. This broad spectrum of "emergency" topics perfectly aligns with the holistic approach we, as designers, should strive for. It's a powerful reminder that effective design goes beyond aesthetics; it can be a transformative tool for positive social change.

It's a great starting point to consider the bigger picture and the potential impact your design project could have.

2. "Social Matter, Social Design" by Jan Boelen

Photo: do you read me?!

As designers, we often navigate a fascinating space between logic and intuition. My recent project, 'em,' a cutlery set focused on Vietnamese cuisine, serves as a prime example. Initially, my aim was to bridge the gap between Vietnamese culture and Western design sensibilities. As a Vietnamese woman, I felt drawn to explore the often-unseen realities of women as caregivers within the family structure. This intuition, while powerful, needed a foundation of evidence to truly elevate the project.

Intriguingly, the book "Social Matter, Social Design" by Jan Boelen, available through Valiz, a publisher specializing in contemporary art, theory, and design, dives deep into the intricate relationship between design and social issues. Through insightful interviews with leading designers, the book explores the strengths and weaknesses of social-material design, a practice that encourages designers to consider the social implications of their work. My journey with 'em' exemplifies the book's potential. Intuition led me to a theme, but research grounded in social issues helped solidify the project's structure and purpose.

3. "Emotionally Durable Design" by Jonathan Chapman

Photo: Paper Plus

Recommended by one of my tutors, after my presentation about the mindfulness approach for user awareness, "Emotionally Durable Design" by Jonathan Chapman became a revelation. It shifted my focus from user education to fostering deeper user-product connections.

Chapman's book challenges the way we've always approached design, where waste was just an unfortunate consequence. The quote that really stuck with me is: "Waste could be seen as a symptom of a failed relationship." It isn't just a book for me – it's a new design philosophy. It pushes me to go beyond aesthetics and functionality, and instead, create products that have a lasting positive impact on the world –  both for users and the environment.

4. "Product and Design Development Process" by Karl Ulrich and Steven Eppinger

Photo: ideation.mit.edu

Early in my career, the entire product design and development process felt like a hazy concept. Despite learning from internships and a junior role at a design studio, there were still gaps in my knowledge. This vagueness persisted until I landed a lead designer position at a trading company. Suddenly, I wasn't just creating designs – I had the responsibility to guide junior designers and advocate for the design team's needs to the board.

That's when I discovered a game-changer: "Product and Design Development Process" by Karl Ulrich and Steven Eppinger." This became my design bible, offering a clear roadmap for the entire product design and development journey. It wasn't just a one-time read; it became a trusted reference for me. Even now, during my Master's program, I find myself referring back to the book's insights on project planning and team management.

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One of the most valuable exercises in my Master's program has been creating a literature review. This process involves systematically organizing and analyzing information from various sources to build a strong foundation for writing or research projects. It's an incredible way to synthesize the information you've gathered and identify key connections and themes. I highly recommend this practice, even if you're not enrolled in a formal program. By taking the time to organize your learnings, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the topics you're exploring.

The world of design is constantly evolving, and the best designers are those who stay curious and informed. By actively seeking out new knowledge and perspectives, you can develop a more holistic design practice that creates positive change in the world. So, pick up a book, explore a new website, or engage in a conversation with someone from a different design discipline. The more you learn, the more impactful your design solutions can be.

What design resources have inspired you lately?

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Credit: Thumbnail photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash