Victor Papanek (1927–1999)

A searing and highly opinionated, but crucially accurate take on the state of design today and what must be improved about it for the benefit of humankind.

Papanek is beautifully explicit on the role of design and the responsibility of the designer: it is far-reaching, and it cannot be avoided or denied. His discussions of real-world issues (with examples from urban planning, architecture, politics) are highly relevant for interaction design in these times when digital artifacts increasingly pervade our everyday lives.

I must have bought this book and its second volume close to the time they were published. I probably found them in some edition of the Whole Earth Catalog. In my student years and their immediate aftermath I built quite a few items inspired by these books. They probably lacked a certain elegance and craftsmanship but they served for several years.

The function complex, which are the elements needed for consideration of good design is really good. The fold out summation is the thesis of the book. Think about what makes good design and for who! Don’t be murderous, greedy, thoughtless in your designs. Think what is needed and by whom! Very good. "aesthetic value is an inherent *part* of function."