Better by Design

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10 non-design books that made me a better designer

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Better by Design

10 non-design books that made me a better designer

Design insights don't have to come from design books

Patrick Morgan
Dec 19, 2022
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10 non-design books that made me a better designer

www.betterbydesign.cc

Hello Designers!

I had to travel yesterday as later this week is expected to be a #snowpocalypse in the northeast US. So, this week’s post is short and sweet; a listicle of books that have made an impact on me and how I think about my work.

These are intentionally books that would not normally show up on a “best of” list for design. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to be learned from the classics of design literature, but design insights don't have to come from design books.

In fact, lateral thinking is a design superpower.

Long before I knew anything about the box model, kerning or color theory I was busy making connections and trying to wrangle them into something coherent to share with the world. It just so happened that the design toolkit gave me the final key that I needed to unlock that expression in a routine and systematic way.

These ten books have helped me understand craft, think about my relationship to creative work, consider the broader impact of design and much more. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I owe my career to a few of the insights I came upon in these texts. If one of them catches your eye, consider picking up a copy to keep you company as we finish out the year.

Happy holidays!

Pat


Range

Author: David Epstein | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, there’s an insane amount to learn to round out your skill-set. In an era of 30 under 30 lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind when you’re actually making steady progress. Epstein’s book is a reminder that growth in disciplines like design takes time. The novel connections you make as a result of casting a wide net will eventually take you places others are incapable of reaching.


Mastery

Author: Robert Greene | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you're a creative person seeking to master a craft. There are many paths to mastery (and yours is unique!) but it’s still useful to have some examples to ground your thinking. Greene's book is helpful for considering your path as it relates to those of so many masters who came before you.


Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Author: Robert Pirsig | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you need to get comfortable diving deeply in technical concepts. I once felt I couldn't be "technical". Pirsig's book helped me remove that limiting belief and in doing so fundamentally altered the direction of my career.


Curation is Creation

Author:

Colin Wright
| Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you might put a lot of pressure on yourself to be "original". It's a noble goal, but often an unrealistic expectation. Wright's succinct book makes a compelling case for broadening your idea of what it means to create.


You Are Not a Gadget

Author: Jaron Lanier | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, your work has massive impact. Don't overlook the ethical implications of designing products for millions, thousands, or even just a few, people. Lanier will take you deep into the philosophy of technology like few else can.


Hit Makers

Author: Derek Thompson | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you strive to push the limits of what's possible. But you also want to make products that people accept and adore. Thompson's book is a must-read guide of principles and tactics for making a hit in modern culture.


Stillness is the Key

Author: Ryan Holiday | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you seek balance. Not just in your designs, but in most parts of your life. Out of all of Ryan Holiday’s books, this one speaks the most directly to that pursuit. To finding a balance in mind, body and spirit that leads to personal flourishing.


Essentialism

Author: Greg McKeown | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you've likely heard Dieter Rams' maxim: "Less, but better". Maybe you even apply it to your design work. McKeown's book is a practical reminder to apply that thinking to the rest of your life too.


The War of Art

Author: Steven Pressfield | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you will face creative Resistance. From your surroundings, your network, and most of all... yourself. Pressfield's book is a classic to prepare yourself for the inevitable creative struggles ahead.


The Artist’s Way

Author: Julia Cameron | Link: Goodreads

As a designer, you have to reconcile the relationship between creative work and art. Do you understand why you’re doing the work you’re doing? Do you feel connected to the creative path you’re carving for yourself? The Artist’s Way is a 12 week program that can help you uncover insights about yourself to guide your creative journey.


If you got a little value in this post, consider subscribing, sharing, or following me on Twitter. If you got a lot of value I’d appreciate it if you bought me a coffee 😎☕️.

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10 non-design books that made me a better designer

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Fawzi Ammache
Writes Year 2049
Jan 5Liked by Patrick Morgan

Range is a FANTASTIC book

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1 reply by Patrick Morgan
Chase Adams
Writes Curiously Chase
Feb 23

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a delightful read.

I learned a lot about thinking through my craft and tools while also making sure they serve me in my enjoyment of what I'm doing.

I haven't read Hit Makers, I'm adding it to my list.

This is a great list!

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