Thinking Design
- S Balaram - D J Academy of Design, Coimbatore
The book explores the history of traditional design and its evolution. On one hand it takes the reader through the cultural-roots of design, and, on the other, it explores new technologies and their applications in design.
A remarkable feature of the book is the way its narrative is enlivened with case studies detailing design inventions, interspersed with tales of Mullah Nasiruddin that provide a tongue-in-cheek take on aspects of design.
This book will be an insightful reference for design professionals, academics and students in institutes conducting research on design and for those in the industrial/technical design departments of Engineering colleges.
This is a book of the author’s reflections and insights, in particular about the practice, learning and teaching of industrial design for India’s rural poor. The language is fluid, and the style informal. The book is thought-provoking, as any good book should be. It would serve its purpose well if it inspires greater interest in, and debate on industrial design in India.