Designing Design

Designing Design presents Kenya Hara's philosophy and methodology around design through essays, case studies, and project documentation. The renowned Japanese designer and art director for MUJI examines both conceptual and practical aspects of design thinking. Hara structures the book around key projects and exhibitions he has directed, using them as foundations to explore broader principles of design, aesthetics, and communication. His analysis spans graphic design, product design, architectural spaces, and sensory experiences. The text incorporates hundreds of photographs and illustrations that demonstrate Hara's ideas through tangible examples from his professional work. Projects range from corporate branding to exhibition curation to experimental conceptual pieces. At its core, the book makes a case for design as a fundamental way of understanding and shaping the world, with emptiness and simplicity as generative forces rather than limitations. This perspective bridges Japanese aesthetic traditions with contemporary global design discourse.

Readers value Hara's unique perspective on Japanese minimalism, white space, and the philosophy of emptiness. The book's physical design and paper quality receive frequent mention as embodying its principles. Likes: - Clear explanations of design concepts through everyday examples - High-quality photographs and visual examples - Insights into Japanese aesthetics and cultural approach to design - Discussion of sensory experiences beyond visual design Dislikes: - Writing style can be repetitive and abstract - Some readers found chapters on MUJI projects too self-promotional - Price point ($40-65) considered high - English translation occasionally awkward Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (180+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Changed how I view white space and emptiness in design" - Goodreads "The paper quality and printing make this book an artifact of its own principles" - Amazon "Gets lost in philosophical meandering at times" - Amazon

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🔹 Kenya Hara became the art director of MUJI in 2001, helping establish their signature minimalist aesthetic that influenced global retail design 🔹 The book's Japanese edition features a completely white cover with no text - embodying Hara's philosophy that emptiness creates possibility 🔹 Hara views white not as a color but as a concept representing both nothingness and potential, which became foundational to modern Japanese design 🔹 The author created the concept of "haptic design" - emphasizing how products should engage all senses, not just vision 🔹 Many principles discussed in the book were implemented in Hara's redesign of Japan's Narita International Airport, where he used design to reduce traveler stress and confusion