Designing Design, written by Kenya Hara, is a book that explores the power of design to bring beauty and functionality to every day life. The book is more than a collection of design tips, it is an exploration of design philosophy and an argument for the centrality of design in our lives. Hara explains that design has the power to bring forth “new insights, new order and even mysteries” in the world.
In Designing Design, Hara lays out his idea of “white space,” a concept that states that every design intervention should be designed to create negative space. Negative space is any space that is not actively occupied or utilized, but left intentionally open. Hara argues that by creating “white space” between the elements of a design, we can create a more holistic and elegant solution to any design problem. For example, Hara suggests that modern tech companies could create a better user experience if they incorporated more “white space” into their product designs, leaving users with more room to think and create.
Hara also explains his concepts of “emptiness” and “ocularcentricity.” “Emptiness” is a concept that suggests that the best designs are more about what is not there than what is. By leaving certain elements out of a design, designers can create a more effective product or user experience. “Ocularcentricity” is a concept that suggests that design is best used to enhance what our eyes can see, such as color, contrast, or form.
In addition to explaining his design philosophy, Hara also provides insights into the life of a designer. He talks about the importance of collaboration and the key role that designers play in society, as well as the power of imagination and observation in design. Throughout the book, Hara emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of any design intervention before implementing it.
Designing Design is a thoughtful exploration of design philosophy that should be read by any designer. It argues for an approach to design that emphasizes the importance of creating negative space, leaving room for imagination and innovation, and considering the consequences of any design decisions. Hara also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mindful observation, and offers insight into the life of a designer. By illustrating the power of design to bring forth beauty and functionality in everyday life, Hara has written a book that should be read by any designer who wants to create meaningful designs.
