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Design for Hackers: Reverse Engineering Beauty
Discover the techniques behind beautiful design by deconstructing designs to understand them. The term 'hacker' has been redefined to consist of anyone who has an insatiable curiosity as to how things work--and how they can try to make them better. This book is aimed at hackers of all skill levels and explains the classical principles and techniques behind beautiful designs by deconstructing those designs in order to understand what makes them so remarkable. Author and designer David Kadavy provides you with the framework for understanding good design and places a special emphasis on interactive mediums. You'll explore color theory, the role of proportion and geometry in design, and the relationship between medium and form. Packed with unique reverse engineering design examples, this book inspires and encourages you to discover and create new beauty in a variety of formats. Breaks down and studies the classical principles and techniques behind the creation of beautiful design. Illustrates cultural and contextual considerations in communicating to a specific audience. Discusses why design is important, the purpose of design, the various constraints of design, and how today's fonts are designed with the screen in mind. Dissects the elements of color, size, scale, proportion, medium, and form. Features a unique range of examples, including the graffiti in the ancient city of Pompeii, the lack of the color black in Monet's art, the style and sleekness of the iPhone, and more.
By the end of this book, you'll be able to apply the featured design principles to your own web designs, mobile apps, or other digital work.
By the end of this book, you'll be able to apply the featured design principles to your own web designs, mobile apps, or other digital work.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
David Kadavy
20 books251 followersDavid Kadavy (@kadavy) is a bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, and speaker. Through his blogging at kadavy.net and his podcast, Love Your Work, he helps people find satisfaction through following their crafts, even if it takes them down unconventional paths. David's writing has appeared in Quartz, Observer, Inc.com, The Huffington Post, McSweeny’s Internet Tendency, and Upworthy. He has spoken in eight countries, including appearances at SXSW at TEDx. He lives in Medellín, Colombia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 7, 2012
This was an excellent introduction to design for the uninitiated! I would be comfortable substituting this book for Robin Williams' "Non-Designer's Design Book" in an introductory design course. Kadavy goes in depth on topics such as typography and color theory and is able to make sense to newbies while doing so. I will be recommending this book to quite a few people!
December 12, 2012
A book on reverse engineering beauty might most practically be read in reverse. This is one of few books where reading the last chapter first will not ruin the story, but in fact set the stage and fuel the necessary curiosity.
There are at least four books in here. Two on history [art and typography], one on graphic design in regards to the page, and another on color and aesthetics.
This book does its greatest service with its title. It calls for developers to learn the modicum of design theory, not to become designers, but to understand better why the designers they work with ate flipping out about a color choice or font rendering. This book is about gaining entry into a conversation. It is serving to give permission to inquire.
Kadavy, as one who spans the gap already between design and programming, struggles at times with glossing over concepts that need more explanation. The visual side by sides of page layouts can be daunting as the leaps made to improve layout are so dramatic as to seem magic. Likewise with typography, the subtleties of fonts argue against their own importance because they are so hard to see.
But, the frustrations with this book do serve. Those who read it will gain vision into the vastness of design, and hopefully in this realization of how much there is to learn, continue. If nothing else, the section on color is a delightful primer for artist and designer alike, opening up the box of Hexidecimals and the full 'gamut' of what color can be.
There are at least four books in here. Two on history [art and typography], one on graphic design in regards to the page, and another on color and aesthetics.
This book does its greatest service with its title. It calls for developers to learn the modicum of design theory, not to become designers, but to understand better why the designers they work with ate flipping out about a color choice or font rendering. This book is about gaining entry into a conversation. It is serving to give permission to inquire.
Kadavy, as one who spans the gap already between design and programming, struggles at times with glossing over concepts that need more explanation. The visual side by sides of page layouts can be daunting as the leaps made to improve layout are so dramatic as to seem magic. Likewise with typography, the subtleties of fonts argue against their own importance because they are so hard to see.
But, the frustrations with this book do serve. Those who read it will gain vision into the vastness of design, and hopefully in this realization of how much there is to learn, continue. If nothing else, the section on color is a delightful primer for artist and designer alike, opening up the box of Hexidecimals and the full 'gamut' of what color can be.
October 19, 2011
An introductory visual design textbook for those of us that haven't gone to design school. I now know enough about color theory, typography, and proportions to be dangerous to myself and anyone who wanders into my general vicinity.
I especially appreciate the appendix material on font pairing and the study of Monet to introduce color theory.
I especially appreciate the appendix material on font pairing and the study of Monet to introduce color theory.
November 22, 2011
It was pretty interesting, with a mix of history, theory and practical advice. I'm eager to try some of his guidelines and advice.
My main criticism would be that his history of typography was too long. Perhaps I've already over-educated myself on the subject, but this book's coverage of it bored me.
My main criticism would be that his history of typography was too long. Perhaps I've already over-educated myself on the subject, but this book's coverage of it bored me.
January 31, 2013
Will be referring back to this forever. Helped me find a language and actual rules for things I see but don't know how to describe or recreate. Definitely recommended for every programmer type that wonders why the stuff they make is kinda ugly.
August 8, 2013
This is a very well-done book that introduces a lot of different aspects of design. I had no design experience and I was able to learn a lot about so many different aspects of what goes into website/graphics design. Also, there is a fantastic use of examples :)
March 23, 2018
This wasn't as good as I hoped, but I think a lot of that was because my aesthetic sense is completely non-existent. He gave very clear examples of what looked good and what looked bad, and I couldn't even guess which was which. I'll stick to coding.
September 21, 2011
This is an excellent introductory work to design from a re-engineering perspective. The theories are accompanied by various examples that demonstrate them in action.
September 14, 2015
Great first half. I didn't even know I'd be interested in fonts, but it seemed like the end section (color) was rushed. Unfortunately, that was the part I was most looking forward to learning.
July 14, 2016
Informative and interesting read. A great intro of design to developers and new designers.
August 5, 2015
It's really hard to find books on design theory in a context that's relevant to non-designers. I have designed many things over the years for screens with a little success. I was able to reflect on my past design choices and struggles in a way that either a professional designer or someone who's never designed anything wouldn't be able to do. A professional designer has heard everything in this book already, and someone with zero experience is unable to contextualize the teachings and tid-bits given in the book. Overall, I now believe that I would be much more confident in designing more competently than before. The section on spacing was very light, but I believe that experimentation in this regard is key.
My favourite sections are the ones that discus typography and proportion, as well as typically beautiful ratios. I highly recommend this book to any software developer who either cannot afford to pay a designer to do work for them, or simply wants to know more about what goes on in the brain of their designer buddies.
My favourite sections are the ones that discus typography and proportion, as well as typically beautiful ratios. I highly recommend this book to any software developer who either cannot afford to pay a designer to do work for them, or simply wants to know more about what goes on in the brain of their designer buddies.
February 24, 2018
This book provides a crash course in art theory, covering concepts such as proportion, composition, and color all in the context of web design. Great for those who tend to be mystified by their creatively talented peers. A bit of a humdrum refresher for anyone who has studied a few lessons in art and design.
The most interesting and informative parts of the book seem to be topics that are more within Kadavy's expertise: typography. This is just about the only topic where you are given a brief yet detailed historical context for why we should choose one type over another.
Other sections that have stood out discuss how proportions build beautiful succinct logos and the effectiveness of white space.
Again, it's probably a good book if you are looking for an overall explanation regarding the choices designers make. For learning design? I feel there are other books out there that can give you the depth you need.
The most interesting and informative parts of the book seem to be topics that are more within Kadavy's expertise: typography. This is just about the only topic where you are given a brief yet detailed historical context for why we should choose one type over another.
Other sections that have stood out discuss how proportions build beautiful succinct logos and the effectiveness of white space.
Again, it's probably a good book if you are looking for an overall explanation regarding the choices designers make. For learning design? I feel there are other books out there that can give you the depth you need.
February 29, 2012
A nice book covering the basic principles of design, with special focus on typography, composition and color theory. Overall, I'd say the book is a good introduction and a quite nicely designed one too, but with all the hype, I've expected more.
I have three main reservation. First, I could use more practical examples and explanations of the design decision. Second, some examples of different approaches to design change more parameters in one step so it is difficult to compare the effects of individual changes. This is especially notable for the examples of building a hierarchy by changing font and composition. The third reservation is that many of the examples in the sections on typography are so small that the differences are difficult to spot.
All in all, I do not regret buying and reading the book, but it's a pity to see minor flaws that could be fixed easily.
I have three main reservation. First, I could use more practical examples and explanations of the design decision. Second, some examples of different approaches to design change more parameters in one step so it is difficult to compare the effects of individual changes. This is especially notable for the examples of building a hierarchy by changing font and composition. The third reservation is that many of the examples in the sections on typography are so small that the differences are difficult to spot.
All in all, I do not regret buying and reading the book, but it's a pity to see minor flaws that could be fixed easily.
September 14, 2015
When you are designing self taught for a few years, a lot of the stuff (a quarter to maybe a half) mentioned in the book will seem trivial to you. So this is more like an absolute beginners book. The rest is really useful! I also liked the typeface related history parts.
Why I have subtracted two stars:
- 0.5 stars for the above mentioned.
- 1.5 stars because Kadavy is repeating himself quite often. You read a sentence and two sentences later there is basically the same sentence again. This is annoying! (The same applies for all the sidenotes) Also he is referencing his own book quite too often ("As I explained in chapter 3, ...")
Why I have subtracted two stars:
- 0.5 stars for the above mentioned.
- 1.5 stars because Kadavy is repeating himself quite often. You read a sentence and two sentences later there is basically the same sentence again. This is annoying! (The same applies for all the sidenotes) Also he is referencing his own book quite too often ("As I explained in chapter 3, ...")
March 13, 2013
It is a book I would recommend to anyone interested in learning about design.
I am a teen who had basically no knowledge on design (Tending towards Comic Sans), who was interested in building a website, and decided to read the book.
After readin git, I changed many things about the layout of my site, and got all those kinks I couldn't tell why it looked badly, out.
It is an excellent overview for people interested in a working knowledge of design, with little theory.
Furthermore, it is an easy read anyone can understand, and even enjoyable with plenty of examples.
I am a teen who had basically no knowledge on design (Tending towards Comic Sans), who was interested in building a website, and decided to read the book.
After readin git, I changed many things about the layout of my site, and got all those kinks I couldn't tell why it looked badly, out.
It is an excellent overview for people interested in a working knowledge of design, with little theory.
Furthermore, it is an easy read anyone can understand, and even enjoyable with plenty of examples.
August 9, 2013
Author sets the basics on design for structured minds. As a professional software developer, I need a bit of design skills for my job.
The book focuses on three main topics: composition / color / fonts. Since composition is easier to undersand for developers by the use of maths, color and fonts have been my main interest.
Fonts chapters are a bit wider than expected, but interesting.
You can feel a strong influence from Apple and Jobs, but not disturbing.
Recomended for IT Professionals willing to learn basics on design.
The book focuses on three main topics: composition / color / fonts. Since composition is easier to undersand for developers by the use of maths, color and fonts have been my main interest.
Fonts chapters are a bit wider than expected, but interesting.
You can feel a strong influence from Apple and Jobs, but not disturbing.
Recomended for IT Professionals willing to learn basics on design.
November 26, 2014
An excellent book for its titular audience.
Many reviewers have commented that a particular section felt too long, although they don't seem to be consistent in these findings. For me, it was the middle section on shapes; it just seemed to repeat itself, and draw lines to support conclusions. After getting through this, though, I returned to being pleasantly educated.
Of particular note is that most principles are accompanied by examples, and when those examples are websites, they're reproduced in the book (which is important for future-proofing). This greatly helps comprehension.
Many reviewers have commented that a particular section felt too long, although they don't seem to be consistent in these findings. For me, it was the middle section on shapes; it just seemed to repeat itself, and draw lines to support conclusions. After getting through this, though, I returned to being pleasantly educated.
Of particular note is that most principles are accompanied by examples, and when those examples are websites, they're reproduced in the book (which is important for future-proofing). This greatly helps comprehension.
January 28, 2015
This was a great book. If you're the type of person who wants to understand the WHY behind design choices, this is for you. For example, Kadavy discusses the history of fonts - how greek/roman scribes made what they wrote legible, how that evolved for the printed page, and now why some fonts are most readable on a screen. He also discusses color and what makes a design both beautiful and useful - and puts it all into context for modern designers. Instead of a how-to list of good design ideas, this book will shift how you look at and think about design. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2015
A great book for anyone interested in how visual design works. Although the title says it's "...for Hackers", you don't have to be a computers major to read it. Kadavy does a great job explaining the inner workings of design in an easy to understand fashion, paving the way for additional reading and serving as a foundation to gain more knowledge in this very interesting world of visual design.
Recommended for anyone into web design and development, or anyone even remotely interested in graphic/visual design.
Recommended for anyone into web design and development, or anyone even remotely interested in graphic/visual design.
November 26, 2016
Overall, mediocre. Some examples were insufficient. For instance, the examples with n's in different fonts. I can stare are those three, and hardly see any differences between them. I needed a few dozen more examples, maybe with a grid overlaid on top, just to learn to see differences. Much of this book felt dated. Screenshots were years old and css properties were current at least four or five years ago. Surprisingly, there was very little in this book about mobile considerations, and almost nothing about UX.
June 5, 2015
This for me was a very quick read with a lot of things I already knew but some very special things I didn't know. I was familiar going in with Kadavy's work and thoughts and his online course that matched this, but his sections on typography were pure bliss for me and my favorite portions. The color portion was also good for me in showing examples of what he was discussing, which is what I had been missing previously, and coming up with a grid.
May 9, 2017
I didn't finish all the appendixes in this, but read most of it. There were several things that I already knew or had picked up along the way, but there were also few things that helped me understand how a designer approaches a problem. I read this with my eyes (actually via the O'Reilly Safari bookshelf that work gives us). I don't think it exists as an audiobook and anyway obviously has lots of graphics that are important to the book.
July 1, 2017
Great read. I've had it on my bookshelf for a long time and just got around to reading it. Long read, but you can jump around.
It's definitely a book you would refer to when you're in the middle of the design process. Not sure if there is a kindle version, but this book is probably more suited for print. Highly recommend.
It's definitely a book you would refer to when you're in the middle of the design process. Not sure if there is a kindle version, but this book is probably more suited for print. Highly recommend.
February 20, 2018
I picked this up on a whim. I found the thinking muddled & the old-memes tone grating. There are better books with fewer words that teach you to look at things - Picture This by Molly Bang comes to mind.
It's good to recognize historical and technical influence on design but I found the treatment here surprisingly flat.
It's good to recognize historical and technical influence on design but I found the treatment here surprisingly flat.
May 29, 2018
Was okay. Super wordy; tonnes of long, complex sentences dedicated to describing diagrams when actually they could've just... improved the diagrams. Also very typography heavy, and a bit vibe-y (like, *this is a true fact* when actually it's just something he feels to be true).
Useful but not stellar. Could've used a hard edit.
Useful but not stellar. Could've used a hard edit.
February 13, 2013
Seems a bit TOO simplistic at times. Like all the first day lectures of a variety of design classes, strung together. More of a fun read (visuals galore) than practical.
July 30, 2012
Design for students!
Hackers use bootstrap from twitter
Hackers use bootstrap from twitter
March 14, 2013
Very interesting book, explaining design to non-designers. I learned a lot.
June 23, 2013
Nice introduction to design concepts. Loved the section on typography - it's history, principles and best practices.
June 28, 2013
The books gives quite a good insight on how design is build up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews