I just finished reading a great design book and I wanted to pass along my brief review.  The book was called Decoding Design and it was written by Maggie Macnab of Macnab Design. Maggie is a decorated designer who has also taught logo design and symbols as visual literacy at the University of New Mexico as well as being the past president of the Communication Artists of New Mexico.

This has to be one of the most well thought out books that I have ever read about design.  Rather than relying on her own interpretation of existing designs, Maggie really takes an in-depth look at the numbers and patterns that are present in good design.  She examines the effect numbers, patterns and symbols have on our subconscious when viewing and digesting design.

As Maggie will tell you herself, this is not a light read.  More than most design books I’ve read to date, Decoding Design digs deep to explain the process and significance of modern and historical design and really aims to explain how designs can both have aesthetic beauty and subconscious meaning at the same time.  She tells the reader how to get there.

Maggie does a great job in the book bringing her ideas and theories back full circle by presenting thorough and varied case studies at the end of each chapter.  This helps tremendously in conveying how her ideas are (and historically have been) put into practice.

All in all, a highly recommended read for both designers and those just interested in design.  If you’re interested in hearing more reviews and finding out more about the book, go to http://www.decodingdesign.com or go HERE to order the book!

Garret Ohm
http://www.orange-element.com

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