How Designers Think: The Design Process Demystified

‘An extremely readable book, due in part to the soundbite-sized chapters'
Architects Journal, 19.01.06

“There is no set path to beautiful design, and as designers we are always moving forward, looking for the next problem to solve. Lawson reminds us, however, that taking the time to engage the issues comprehensively leads to more well-rounded, and ultimately better finished products. As such, developing a solid set of foundation skills and methods are of the utmost importance, permeating into other work and yielding stronger results.” ― Jeremy Senko, Spacing Magazine

Reviews of previous editions:
‘It has a great virtue of being thorough and readable… excellent bibliography.'
Built Environment
‘This book makes a valuable, if individualistic contribution to the literature of design theory.'
Science and Technology Press
‘The author succeeds in demystifying his subject for the lay reader.'
New Scientist
‘The chapters are well written in a readable form and packed full of data undeniably valuable to students.'
ASI Journal
‘Its success is well deserved, because it is clearly written, the arguments are logically presented, and the design process is indeed demystified.'
Architectural Science Review

In this fourth edition, Bryan Lawson continues his discussion, trying to understand how designers think. He does this by mapping out the issues concerned with the design process, with design problems and solutions and design thinking. This edition adds to the previous debates by including a new chapter on ‘Design as Conversation' reflecting on how designers, either consciously or unconsciously, monitor, reflect on, control and change their thinking. It also includes a new series of case studies on notable designers including the racing car designer Gordon Murray, product designer James Dyson, and architects such as Edward Cullinan and Glenn Murcott. It presents a unique look at the psychology of the designer that provides a greater insight to the process of design. It demystifies the complexity of the subject and uncovers new ways that design can be done. It draws conclusions from years of research and provides the very latest debate on the subject.