The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition
Don Norman (Basic Books)
Although not from a faith- based viewpoint, this wise little book has become a classic among those wanting to think about why design matters. Follow up this marvelous reading experience with his engaging book Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things, which gives us a good reminder of how things work in God’s complex world.
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)
Susan Weinschenk (New Riders)
Great design almost always has a human interface, to we can learn much about norms and principles from the best social psychologists. Here we can see what research offers about how people respond, and how these insights can be useful for those called into the design world. Is there a narrative or framework about design that tends to promote such religious values or healthy social outcomes? This book -- which also invites us to think about locally available materials and environmental stewardship -- helps us think passionately about things that matter.
Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People
Emily Pilloton (Metropolis Books)
Can newly designed products really empower people? How does good design tap into human abilities, helping people flourish?
Graphic Design and Religion: A Call for Renewal
Daniel Kantor (GIA Publications)
This is a fantastic book for graphic designers, illustrators, visual artists, those who are interested in fonts and space and magazines and book covers, even hymnal designs. This does seem somewhat limited to the overtly religious press, it does bring fascinating theological insights (and study of different eras of religious iconography) into interaction with contemporary graphic design. It showcases branding logos from religion non-profits, denominational letterhead, good aesthetic design in church bulletins or banners, and documents how sacred art must move beyond only thinking about symbols in ancient paintings to the animation of design in religious journalism and print. Fascinating. The editor and curator is the founder and creative director of KantorGroup in Minneapolis MN and a composer of liturgical music.
* These reviews are from a friend of Trinity, Byron Borger. Visit Hearts and Minds Books.