User-Centered Graphic Design: Mass Communication and Social Change

Rating:
Summary: Nice book, shame about the content...
Review: An interesting if somewhat dated ideology placing the graphic designer in the position of the instigator of positive social change. A sort of paper social conscience for the masses. Designers must unite and use their collective power for good and triumph over all that is evil. While many of the arguments are trite and shop worn, this book does justify coffee table space. The actual book itself is more interesting than it's content.

Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: This is a good book for anyone wanting to develop a basic knowledge of user-centred design. Unfortunately, it's now a somewhat outdated book. It's cost is extremely disproportionate with its current value. ($30 would be more adequate). I recommend, instead, Brenda Laurel's "Design Research".