Rating: 
Summary: Nothing new
Review: I didn't learn anything extra from this book. I totally got misled by the other reviews here. If your current profession involves some kind of design (creating reports, writing software to do it, etc.), chances are you won't really learn anything new from this book. Just read some of the reviews here and get the C-R-A-P concept, if you don't know it already.
Rating: 
Summary: Good enought for its price and intended readers!
Review: I have been looking at the reviews and almost everyone that rated this book with a poor rating were experienced designers. I think it is inapt and unfair to rate it this badly because these people have failed to read the obvious - its title. It says for "non-designers". This book is not intended for them in the first place! These "designers" come in to the review board and make all kinds of noises that this book is not worth the buy. They should at least find out if a book they chose to read is suited to their knowledge level. Besides, given the price of the book one can't expect everything. Please give the author a break and think before criticizing. I like this book based on its contents and readibility. Well, it's certainly worth my buy.
Rating: 
Summary: The Non-Designer's Design Book
Review: Still waiting for book to arrive. It's been over 17 days.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Great book for the computer user who cares about how stuff looks. If you spend more time playing with fonts, margins, alignment and image placement than the text itself, this book is for you. I found that it really made a difference in how I layout even simple things in MS Word. Get it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book for Designers and Non-Designers
Review: This is an excellent book for all types of design work including print and for the web. It's very easy to follow and you'll be able to apply the principles right away. You'll not find much theory but if you're looking for practical design concepts, look no further. Your projects will improve dramatically!!
Rating:
Summary: C.R.A.P.---Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity
Review: That little acronym caught and has held my attention since I first read the book in 1994. And boy, has it ever held true! I have applied those four basic design principles to everything I design, from writing programming concepts to designing graphic art to designing my daughter's homework reports. (I help her with the layout using C-R-A-P; she provides the content.) Very easy read. Finished it in about 2 hours, and it's been by my side always.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I believe this book is so well written that it would be good reading, even for someone not interested in design. The author's light hearted approach makes it easy to absorb the material, and the material itself creates a strong foundation for design. My only wish would be for some color.
Rating:
Summary: a MUST for designer's with programming backgrounds
Review: If you really take the trouble to read the design principles that Robin postulates in her concise book and do the exercises therein...well..you will see even the phone directory ads in a whole new way. She seems to be able to put her finger on just what you did or didnt like about a picture and could'nt say why in words. From a programming background, I have long been looking for that basic book; not having time to go thru an art course. And I must say i was totally satisfied with this. Waiting to move on to Robin's other books. And yes, her prose is not boring, not too technical or artsy, and she does have real sense of humour.. just what I like. Try reading any of those programming books...yawnnn...
Rating:
Summary: Great book for us normal people
Review: This was a great book. It covered everything I wanted to know to make my work get that professional look. I could have used a little more typographic coverage, but that's really not the scope of this book. Anyhow, if you want to make your stuff look professional, read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Some clues for the clueless
Review: This book has improved every document I've created for at least half a decade. Computing is my trade, but bookmaking and related paper craft are my hobbies, so I'm awash in text on paper and on the monitor screen. From flyers, signs and term papers to greeting cards, books, web pages and technical documents, I've been applying Williams' techniques to great effect. Her ideas are so simple, you'll wonder why you didn't think of them instinctively. The first half of the book focuses on four design principles: Alignment, Contrast, Proximity and Repetition. You'll be amazed at how supersizing a heading font or choosing a right side aligment can change a document. The rest of the book focuses on how to select and use fonts/type, emphasizing their use with the design principles. If you've been centering every item on an invitation or webpage or you've thought Times New Roman is the only font you'd ever need, this book will open you eyes and improve your work. There are great before and after pics and even quizzes on the reading and techniques. Don't worry, answers are included.
I've taken DTP courses and have purchased other graphic design books, but this book has pretty much become my design bible. Beginners and experienced designers alike will benefit from this book. Numerous examples of brochures, flyers, resumes, business cards and other items should spur your creativity for some time to come.
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