In 'The Non-designer's Design Book', Robin Williams unveils the essential principles of design that anyone can understand and apply. With practical techniques and clear examples, she demystifies aspects like typography, color, and layout. This book empowers readers to create visually appealing projects without needing formal training. Whether you're designing a flyer, website, or presentation, Williams offers transformative insights that elevate your work. Discover how to make impactful design choices that compel and engage your audience!
By Robin Williams
Published: 2015
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Melanie Perkins is an Australian technology entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Canva, an online design and publishing tool that has revolutionized the graphic design industry. Born in Perth, Australia, she launched Canva in 2013 with the aim of making design accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level. Under her leadership, Canva has grown to serve millions of users worldwide and has reached a multi-billion-dollar valuation. Perkins' innovative approach and dedication to user-friendly design have earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in technology. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
View CollectionJan Losert is a visionary author and digital design expert, renowned for his contributions to the intersection of technology and creativity. His most significant work includes co-authoring "Design Systems Handbook," which has become a seminal guide for creating cohesive and efficient design frameworks. Losert's expertise extends to his role as a speaker and educator, where he passionately shares his insights on user experience and interface design. In addition to his literary achievements, he co-founded several successful startups, leveraging his deep understanding of design to drive innovation. His work continues to influence and inspire both emerging and established designers worldwide.
View CollectionBret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
View CollectionColeen Baik is an American designer, artist, and entrepreneur, known for her work in the tech industry, including as a founding team member of Twitter. Baik played a key role in shaping the user experience and design of Twitter in its early days, contributing to its iconic interface. She is also the founder of Baik Art, a multidisciplinary art studio that blends technology and visual art. Baik is passionate about using design to create meaningful and user-centered digital experiences, and she frequently speaks on topics related to innovation, design, and creativity. Her work has made her a prominent figure in the intersection of tech and design.
View CollectionDr. Harvey Karp is a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, best known for his groundbreaking method for calming infants, as detailed in The Happiest Baby on the Block. He is the creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper, a robotic crib designed to help babies sleep safely and soundly. Dr. Karp has been a leading voice in pediatric health for decades, emphasizing the importance of sleep for both babies and parents. His methods have revolutionized infant care and parenting techniques. He continues to advocate for improved early childhood development practices.
View CollectionKevin Rose is a notable entrepreneur and technology investor, best known for founding Digg, a pioneering social news website that significantly influenced online content sharing. Although not primarily recognized for literary contributions, Rose has impacted digital media and online culture, which are recurring themes in contemporary literature on technology. His insights and experiences have been featured in various tech journals and books, enriching discussions on innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Rose also co-hosted the popular podcast "The Random Show" with Tim Ferriss, where he shares his thoughts on technology, health, and productivity. Through his ventures and public speaking, Rose continues to inspire narratives around the digital revolution and startup culture.
View CollectionDaniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.
View CollectionSophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.
View CollectionCleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.
View CollectionJohn Maeda is a designer, technologist, and thought leader known for his work at the intersection of technology, design, and leadership. A former president of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Maeda has been a strong advocate for integrating art and design with technology to drive innovation. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Everbridge and has previously held leadership roles at Automattic (the parent company of WordPress) and KPCB, a venture capital firm. Maeda’s work explores the role of creativity in technology, and he is known for his insightful talks and books, including The Laws of Simplicity and Redesigning Leadership. He has been instrumental in promoting the idea of “design thinking” in business and has influenced a generation of designers and technologists to approach problem-solving with creativity. Maeda is also a prolific speaker, frequently sharing his ideas on the future of design and its role in shaping the modern world.
View CollectionAdam Ho is a celebrated author known for his innovative contributions to contemporary fiction. His debut novel, "Echoes of Tomorrow," garnered critical acclaim and won the prestigious New Horizon Award for its imaginative storytelling and profound themes. Ho's work often explores the intersections of technology, identity, and human connection, earning him a dedicated readership and a place on numerous bestseller lists. In addition to his novels, he has published a collection of short stories, "Digital Dreams," which has been praised for its emotional depth and narrative ingenuity. Beyond writing, Ho is an advocate for digital literacy and frequently speaks at literary festivals and academic conferences worldwide.
View CollectionJeff Atwood is an American software developer, writer, and co-founder of Stack Overflow, the largest online community for developers to share knowledge and collaborate on coding problems. Atwood is also known for his influential blog Coding Horror, where he writes about programming, technology, and software development practices. His work on Stack Overflow has revolutionized the way developers learn and share information, fostering a collaborative, open-source culture within the tech community. Atwood’s contributions to software development have made him a key figure in the tech industry, particularly in developer education and open knowledge sharing.
View CollectionRyan Hoover is the founder of Product Hunt, a popular platform where users discover and share new tech products, apps, and tools. Hoover started Product Hunt as a side project, which quickly grew into a thriving community for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The platform has helped launch countless startups and has become an essential resource for finding innovative products. In addition to Product Hunt, Hoover is an investor and writer, often sharing insights on startup culture and product development. His work has made him a key figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.
View CollectionDebbie Millman is a renowned designer, author, educator, and brand consultant, celebrated for her influential work in the field of design and branding. She is the host of the award-winning podcast "Design Matters," which is one of the world's first and longest-running podcasts about design and creative culture. Millman has authored several critically acclaimed books, including "Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits" and "Why Design Matters: Conversations with the World's Most Creative People." As the Chair of the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, she has shaped the minds of future design leaders. Her contributions to literature and education have earned her a place among the most respected voices in contemporary design and branding.
View CollectionJeremiah Shoaf is a distinguished designer and writer, best known for his influential contributions to typography and design literature. As the founder of Typewolf, a renowned website that guides designers in selecting the perfect fonts, Shoaf has become a vital resource in the design community. His insightful articles and reviews on typography have earned him a significant following and respect among design professionals. Shoaf's work has been featured in numerous design publications, solidifying his status as an authority in the field. Beyond Typewolf, his broader contributions to design education have inspired and informed both aspiring and established designers worldwide.
View CollectionNeil Gaiman is a bestselling British author known for his fantasy, horror, and science fiction works, including American Gods, Coraline, and The Sandman graphic novel series. His stories often blend mythology, folklore, and the supernatural, creating dark yet imaginative worlds. Gaiman’s work has been adapted into films, television shows, and radio plays, further cementing his influence in popular culture. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards. Gaiman continues to be a beloved figure in both literature and pop culture, known for his storytelling prowess and unique voice.
View CollectionDavid Kadavy is an author, podcast host, and creativity expert, best known for his books The Heart to Start and Design for Hackers, where he explores the intersection of creativity, productivity, and design. Kadavy's work focuses on helping creators overcome procrastination, build meaningful habits, and find motivation to pursue their creative projects. He is also the host of the Love Your Work podcast, where he interviews high-performing individuals across various fields about their creative processes and productivity techniques. Kadavy’s insights stem from his own experiences as a designer and entrepreneur, offering practical advice on how to break through mental blocks and create with intention. His work emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, creativity, and a minimalist approach to both design and life. Kadavy’s books and podcast have garnered a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the realms of personal development and creative success.
View CollectionJessica Hische is an acclaimed American lettering artist, illustrator, and author, renowned for her distinctive typographic style and contributions to the world of design. She gained widespread recognition for her work on the "Daily Drop Cap" project, which showcased her talent and creativity in lettering. Hische has collaborated with major clients such as Wes Anderson, Penguin Books, and The New York Times, further cementing her status in the design community. Her book, "In Progress," offers valuable insights into her creative process, inspiring countless designers and artists. Additionally, Hische’s advocacy for work-life balance and creative entrepreneurship has made her a respected voice in the industry.
View CollectionClaire Diaz-Ortiz is a prominent author, speaker, and technology innovator known for her influential work at Twitter, where she played a key role in promoting the platform's use for social good. She has authored several notable books, including "Twitter for Good" and "Design Your Day," which offer insights into leveraging social media for activism and optimizing personal productivity, respectively. Diaz-Ortiz is also recognized for her contributions to leadership literature, particularly through her co-authored works with Ken Blanchard. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in major media outlets for her expertise in technology and social impact. Beyond her writing, she is committed to philanthropic endeavors and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.
View CollectionJohn D. Saunders is an accomplished digital marketing strategist and author known for his insightful works on entrepreneurship and business growth. With a sharp focus on leveraging digital tools to enhance business performance, Saunders has penned several influential books that have helped countless entrepreneurs streamline their operations and scale efficiently. His notable work includes "The Blockbuster Blueprint," a comprehensive guide on digital marketing strategies. Beyond writing, Saunders is a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise at numerous industry conferences and workshops. His contributions extend to his role as the founder of 5Four Digital, where he continues to innovate and drive forward-thinking marketing solutions.
View CollectionBrett Adcock is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Archer Aviation, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company focused on revolutionizing urban air mobility. Prior to founding Archer, Adcock co-founded Vettery, a talent marketplace that connects companies with job seekers using data-driven matching technology, which was later acquired by the Adecco Group. At Archer, Adcock is working to build the future of transportation with electric aircraft designed for short-distance flights in urban areas. His vision for the future of air travel has made him a key player in the growing eVTOL and aviation technology industries.
View CollectionFedor Holz is a German professional poker player and entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the best tournament poker players in the world. Holz made his mark in the poker world in his early twenties, winning several major tournaments and earning millions in prize money, including a victory at the World Series of Poker. Known for his analytical approach to the game, Holz has become a key figure in the high-stakes poker scene, combining intuition with cutting-edge game theory strategies. In addition to his poker career, Holz is an entrepreneur and investor, having co-founded Primed Mind, a mindset coaching app designed to help people achieve peak performance in various fields. Holz is also deeply involved in the personal development space, frequently discussing the importance of mental clarity, focus, and emotional resilience in high-pressure situations. Despite stepping back from full-time poker, Holz continues to be an influential figure in both the poker and business worlds, focusing on ventures that promote personal growth and performance optimization.
View CollectionFrank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.
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