Simply words.

Step into the Design library. We are constantly inspired by the power of the written word. And the breadth of our reading habits reinforces the strong emphasis we place on copywriting in the creative process. All too often, the copy content is considered apart from the graphic expression, with little regard for what is actually written. At Design by contrast, we consider the written word early in the project as an integral part of the overall communication. The result is a solution that demands to be read, a solution that genuinely has something to say.


Whether to inform, entertain or educate, the books presented below are great examples of how words can inspire. Our selection below is updated on a regular basis, please read on.

Design for the real World

Victor Papanek presents his theories on how design can reduce pollution, overcrowding, starvation and other modern ills. He leads us away from 'fetish objects for a wasteful society' towards the idea of morally and environmentally responsible design.
Maeda @ Media

At once a manifesto, a manual and a sourcebook, this volume presents the entire output of an artist with a fascination for the untapped artistic power of computer programming. Maeda's discoveries took him from computer studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to art school in Japan.
Kitchen Confidential

A rare, fascinating, not to mention hilarious insight into the culinary underworld by New York chef Anthony Bourdain. Plenty of trade secrets are let out of the bag here, one in particular details why you probably shouldn't order fish on Mondays. And for those up-market diners who think their meals are prepared by culinary artists of the highest order, you may be surprised when Anthony Bourdain reveals a more brutal truth. "More likely whacked-out bunch of moral degenerates, dope fiends, refugees, and a thuggish assortment of drunks, sneak thieves, sluts and psychopaths". A superbly entertaining book.
Mezzanine

A fantastic work of observation that gathers into one book all the things we've pondered over at some point in our lives, but generally we take for granted. It is an extremely interesting and funny book. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever wondered what happened to paper straws, questioned why one shoelace should snap before the other, or considered whether the hot air blowers in bathrooms really are more sanitary than towels. Brilliant!
Paul Rand

Paul Rand is the graphic designer who gave corporate identities the importance they now have. He was the first to recognise the global importance of a corporation’s identity, and the way they communicate with their customers. UPS, IBM, Next Computers, these are just some of Rand's achievements. Rand’s career spanned almost seven decades until his death in 1996. He is now recognised as one of the greatest designers that ever lived. Every designer should own this book.
Mr Nice

After spending seven years in one of America's toughest penitentiaries for smuggling marijuana, Howard Marks realised his autobiography. It almost seemed to be part of the plan. His story tells of growing up in Wales, college life at Oxford, his first meeting with the IRA, working for MI6, connections with the Mafia, and his travels across the globe. One of the most interesting characters you're likely to read about.
The Hobbit

"In a hole in the ground lived a Hobbit" J R R Tolkien's famous book takes you from a peaceful land of green pastures, on an epic journey with Wizards, Dwarfs, Trolls, Elves, Eagles, Wolves, Spiders, and a huge Dragon. And this was only the start of things to come. Immense story telling. A book ANYONE can enjoy.