A Working Inventory of Things a Designer Should Know
By Danah Abdulla.
A poetical list of essential knowledge for designers that both politicizes and inspires
In 2018, the architect and activist Michael Sorkin published the now beloved essay-list "Two Hundred and Fifty Things an Architect Should Know." Struck by the compelling form of this text, Danah Abdulla compiled a version for designers—"a list based on a search for knowledge and a designer’s commitment to making the world a better place," as she writes. Abdulla’s list includes the experience of scents; how critical theory does not account for the colonial experience; the dangers of seeking out simplicity; visual pollution; and how certain emblems and symbols make people feel. It is meant to be approached as a series of prompts to consider, discard or spark a conversation. Danah Abdulla (born 1986) is a Palestinian Canadian designer, educator and researcher. She is Program Director of Graphic Design at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, and a founding member of the Decolonising Design platform.
STATUS: Forthcoming | 2/11/2025
This title is not yet published in the U.S. To pre-order or receive notice when the book is available, please email orders @ artbook.com
FORMAT: Pbk, 4.5 x 7 in. / 64 pgs. LIST PRICE: U.S. $18.00 LIST PRICE: CANADA $27 ISBN: 9789083449883 PUBLISHER: Set Margins’ publications AVAILABLE: 2/11/2025 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Forthcoming AVAILABILITY: Awaiting stock TERRITORY: NA LA ASIA AFR ME
Designerly Ways of Knowing A Working Inventory of Things a Designer Should Know
Published by Set Margins’ publications. By Danah Abdulla.
A poetical list of essential knowledge for designers that both politicizes and inspires
In 2018, the architect and activist Michael Sorkin published the now beloved essay-list "Two Hundred and Fifty Things an Architect Should Know." Struck by the compelling form of this text, Danah Abdulla compiled a version for designers—"a list based on a search for knowledge and a designer’s commitment to making the world a better place," as she writes. Abdulla’s list includes the experience of scents; how critical theory does not account for the colonial experience; the dangers of seeking out simplicity; visual pollution; and how certain emblems and symbols make people feel. It is meant to be approached as a series of prompts to consider, discard or spark a conversation.
Danah Abdulla (born 1986) is a Palestinian Canadian designer, educator and researcher. She is Program Director of Graphic Design at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, and a founding member of the Decolonising Design platform.
