The Designer’s Review of Books
Launched just under two weeks ago, the Designer’s Review of Books promises to be a nice place to hang around and browse the online shelves. The DRB was founded, is edited and written (mostly) by Andy Polaine, an interaction designer, journalist and lecturer, but it features guest reviewers as well for more specialist pieces. Here’s what Andy says about his project:
Although there are several good design websites that occasionally have book reviews, there didn’t seem to be a single place online where you could get constant updates and reviews of new (and sometimes old) design books.
The reviews are grouped under 2D, 3D, Interactive and Motion, and so far the 3D aspect is under-represented, although that will probably be addressed as more articles are posted.
There are still only a handful of reviews on the site, but they are for the most part quite detailed, giving a good overview of the books’ contents and with some welcome pics of interior spreads. While more descriptive than critical in tone, they provide a helpful indication of what the books are about and of their approach. So it’s not quite yet the design equivalent of the LRB, but a great initiative nonetheless. Keep reading.
Hi Viviana – thanks for the mention and the review (of the Review). The categories were the hardest thing because in the end I knew they would never cover every aspect. So I went for 2D for everything that is flat and 3D for everything that isn’t. The others were easier. The tags will be the things that become more useful as more reviews go up and there should be some more 3D/architecture books being reviewed soon (Process by Jennifer Hudson is the one I’m reading at the moment).
I’ll try and post one or two reviews a week, but hope that will provide a decent stream of content for readers. I prefer to actually read the books I’m reviewing rather than skim through them in order to do them justice, but obviously that takes up quite a bit of time, pleasurable as it sounds!
The more positive tone so far has been both luck and deliberate. The first books were books that I actually wanted to take a look at and review and had already thought looked good. So usually I would request or buy a review copy of books I like and the reviews are pretty positive. I also felt it important for both publishers and readers to have a reasonably positive start, but as more books are in the pile (a pile that is rapidly getting quite large), I’m sure I’ll get the chance to get the knives out a little more.
By the way, I also have a category called “Not Design” in which I will review some books that designers would get something out of, even if they’re not straightforward design books. I’m looking forward to writing some of those.
polaine
December 2, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hi Andy,
I’m sure there will soon be a good balance between categories, although it’s to be expected that it will reflect your own interests, particularly at this early stage. The “Not Design” section sounds great, I look forward to it.
In any case, projects like DRB are a labour of love and we’ll all benefit from your enthusisasm and hard work, so best of luck with it and many thanks!
Viviana Narotzky
December 3, 2008 at 6:07 pm
You’ll be pleased to know that review of Process: 50 Product Designs from Concept to Manufacture, just went up tonight (and I’m getting meaner with my stars :-) )
polaine
December 3, 2008 at 11:21 pm