Universal Methods of Design, Expanded and Revised

125 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions

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Pub Date Dec 03 2019 | Archive Date Dec 03 2019

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Description

This expanded and revised version of the best-selling Universal Methods of Design is a comprehensive reference that provides a thorough and critical presentation of 125 research methods, synthesis/analysis techniques, and research deliverables for human-centered design.

The text and accompanying photos and graphics of this classic resource are delivered in a concise and accessible format perfect for designers, educators, and students. This new, expanded edition includes updated information on scenarios, secondary research, territory maps, and other chapters. The addition of 25 new chapters brings fresh relevance to the text with innovative design methods that have emerged since the first edition, such as backcasting, behavioral design, horizon scanning, and transition design.

Universal Methods of Design, Expanded and Revised distills each method down to its essence, in a format that helps design teams select and implement the most credible research methods suited to their design culture. Each method is presented in a two-page format. The left-hand page contains a concise description of the method, accompanied by references to further reading. On the right-hand page, images and case studies for each method are presented visually. The relevant phases for design application are highlighted as numbered icons along the right side of the page, from phases 1 (planning, scoping, and definition) through 5 (launch and monitor).

Build more meaningful products with these methods and more: Affinity Diagramming, Behavioral Mapping, Bodystorming, Contextual Design, Critical Incident Design, Directed Storytelling, Empathy Maps, Graffiti Walls, Image Boards, Parallel Prototyping, Simulation Exercises, Touchstone Tours, and Weighted Matrix.

This essential guide:

  • Dismantles the myth that user research methods are complicated, expensive, and time-consuming
  • Creates a shared meaning for cross-disciplinary teams
  • Illustrates methods with compelling visualizations and case studies
  • Characterizes each method at a glance
  • Indicates when methods are best employed to help prioritize appropriate design research strategies

Universal Methods of Design, Expanded and Revised
is an essential resource for designers of all levels and specializations.
This expanded and revised version of the best-selling Universal Methods of Design is a comprehensive reference that provides a thorough and critical presentation of 125 research methods...

Marketing Plan

Key Selling Points: With 25 new Methods added to the book, Universal Methods of Design will be of interest even to those readers who have the original edition on their shelves. Universal Methods of Design illustrates each method with compelling visualizations and case studies. Visuals and text make each method of design comprehensible at a glance.  

Key Campaign Activity: Design and education pitches

Trade: Finished Advances

Retail: Finished Advances

Consumer: Include in design academic mailings and emails for course use Pitch to design media such as InVision, Co.Design, Photoshop User, Core77, Visual Arts Journal, Idea, Creative Bloq, Surface Leverage contributor online presences and contacts

Key Selling Points: With 25 new Methods added to the book, Universal Methods of Design will be of interest even to those readers who have the original edition on their shelves. Universal Methods of...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781631597480
PRICE $35.00 (USD)
PAGES 264

Average rating from 6 members


Featured Reviews

This book stays true to the title offering 125 ways to design better.
This isn't a book on usability at least in the way it is often talked about (at least in the software centric books I've read). It doesn't go into depth on product related things like affordances but talks more about design techniques like user surveying. This is slightly confusing as there are books with similar covers that go the other route.

This book is good for those in environments where people work together designing solutions. In other words, many of these techniques aren't so useful if you are the only one interested in using them.

The techniques are well cited/researched and are often paired with useful illustrations.
Each method is covered in a few pages, but is usually clearly understood despite the brevity.

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If you're interested in design and design methodology this is a fantastic resource. With 125 research methods, it's absolutely a comprehensive reference with short explanations and clear examples of each method to ensure you can see the application of each method. I really enjoyed my time with this book and as someone who works closely with the User Experience and User Experience Research teams, I feel like I understand some of the methodology so much more clearly now.

with gratitude to netgalley and quarto publishing for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I never say I'm a graphic designer -- it's just my background and I like organizing information. I'm definitely not an artist or a scientist, and this book made it quite obvious to me that I barely scratch the surface of design. While intimidating, this book is amazing and easy to digest in pieces (for me). It's a resource book I will use repeatedly until the information finally sticks. It also illustrates just how much science there is in design -- and how design surrounds all of us. The book breaks down the five phases of design are described and methods detailed out. There is a lot of information to digest and is fascinating to see just how complex human behavior is.

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From page one I was drawn to the minimalist yet informative entries about a vast number of research and decision-making design methods.

Each entry contains an outline of how to conduct the method, original research usage, and further reading.
This book is an essential resource for anyone who conducts any type of data collection, whether that be from customers and clients to feedback from peers and team members. It provides simple and informative explanations and outlines while avoiding buzz words that other management books may overuse.

I can't wait to buy this book in physical form. It will be a resource that I will use throughout my whole career. I know that I will use it to develop feedback forms from library patrons, for team brainstorming of new programs, and many more feedback and data-driven decisions.

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"Universal Methods of Design" is a user-friendly reference for design techniques and tools. I could easily see keeping a copy of this book on my desk for planning new projects.

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