The Non-Designer's Design Book, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Desktop Publisher's Must-have Book
Review: As a professional graphic designer at a community college in Maryland, I deal with VIPs (Visually Illiterate Person) every day. Whenever a non-designer co-worker asks for advice on a DTP project, I recommend this book. If they are in my office, I pull out my copy and SHOW them how good it is. This small, easy-to-read book communicates basic design principles clearly without using fancy jargon. The ample "before and after" examples speak volumes-- with a glance, the reader can see the difference between uninformed design and design with the basic principles used. Anyone who uses a computer for Desktop Publishing should be required to own this book! P.S. All of Robin's books are this good!

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Summary: everyone should own this
Review: Teaches you how to see design that works. The lessons are concise. I especially liked the explanation of mixing fonts. A book you'll re-read many times. An unbelievable eye-opener!

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Summary: Design principles that will awaken the designer in you
Review: After plodding through many snobbish and boring books on graphic design, I stumbled onto this little gem at a computer show a few years ago. I have treasured it ever since. It is simply the most clear and concise primer on graphic design ever written. Robin Williams' writing style is witty and fun, yet incredibly informative. Her design principles are priceless. They are easy to understand and apply. And, they are easy to remember, due to their "unfortunate acronym." How about a new and expanded version, Robin?

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Summary: If it included graphic design it would be perfect!
Review: For twenty years I've been looking for a typographic design book for the literate. This is an extraordinary, useful book. It's easy to successfully apply all of the suggestions and directions, and it's written in a style that makes me feel like Williams is talking just to me. There is a clear, casual ease with every phrase and every illustration that I've never before seen in a "how to" book. Buy this if you ever want to design books, magazine articles or even web pages, and you can't go wrong!

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Summary: It will change the way you visualize a printed page
Review: This, and other Robin Williams books will not only change the way you create printed documents, it will change the way you evaluate a printed page. In a clear, concise, and informative style, you'll learn the principles of good design. Another distinguishing plus is that this book is a joy to read. The majority of desktop publishing books are written by designers who need training in writing; this is certainly not the case here. A must-have, along with "The Mac/PC Is Not A Typewriter" and her other books.

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Summary: Concise, practical and useful book on graphic design
Review: This book is a true gem. It provides excellent help in the area of grahpic design for creating images that look good together. It also gives many hints on improving current grahpics. Rather than just providing pages of examples (like some books), this book provides simple and practical rules (in addition to examples which demonstrate the rules). In fact, the rules apply to more than just desktop publishing, but just about any area of design. Another plus, the book packs so much useful information in a concise, quickly readable format. Please note, this book is not a book on desktop publishing, and it does not teach you how to use a specific application (in fact, for the most part, this book, does not even assume you are using computers)

Rating:
Summary: great
Review: I've read this book about 6 times, right before I undertake a new project it gives me the refreshing I need. And, it's funny as hell

Rating:
Summary: A must buy
Review: This book will get you to "think visually" whenever you look at a printed page. More than to just recognize the good, bad and plain 'ol ugly, you'll learn techinques to make any document you produce compelling and a joy to read. My day job includes producing proposals of anywhere from 6 to 100 pages, and since I first read this book about a year ago, I've been getting raves from clients that they always want to pick my stuff up first from the piles they recieve. Another plus is that all of Robin William's books are clearly, concisely and compactly composed. They are a joy to read, especially after slogging so many 300-500 page desktop design books.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent design primer
Review: As a programmer, I don't have time for a full course in visual design, but this small book quickly improved my ability to design attractive and informative interfaces for my software. I think everyone should understand the basics of good design.. this world would be a lot easier to navigate

Rating:
Summary: Excellent summary of Design principles for the novice
Review: Trying to put together a professional-looking web site or other publication? Wondering why your stuff doesn't seem to grab the reader? Read (it's VERY easy) Robin Williams' "The Non-Designer's Design Book". You'll find short, clear explanations of the major principles of quality layout and presentation, with PLENTY of examples. Also included is a fine introduction to typefaces and font terminology. Exercises (with answers) help to drive the points home, and the excellent bibliography will lead you to more in-depth study. As a Design novice (or, as Ms. Willams would label me, a "Visually Illiterate Person") I can't imagine a more gentle, informative, helpful or entertaining introduction to the topic. A MUST-READ for would-be web page artists!