Toothpicks and Logos: Design in Everyday Life

By John Heskett

Book Overview

Design touches virtually every aspect of our lives, imbuing the most humdrum of objects with meaning. In Toothpicks and Logos, John Heskett illuminates a subject as vast and complex as human life itself, ranging from the earliest found implements in our history--the stick, the shell, the cupped hand--to modern advertising logos, software interfaces, and even the lowly toothpick.
Here is a truly groundbreaking book, one that will transform the way we think about design, revealing how integral it is to our daily lives, from the spoon we use to eat our breakfast cereal, to the car we drive to work in, to the medical equipment used to save lives. Design, Heskett writes, is one of the most basic expressions of what it is to be human--the reshaping of the environment to meet our needs and answer our desires, capturing both utility and aesthetics. Going beyond issues of style and taste, he describes how different cultures and individuals personalize objects--even simple objects, such as a toothpick, can have their design modified to suit the specific cultural behavior in different countries. Heskett examines architecture, multimedia, computers, software, and even the role of government in influencing design trends and he offers fascinating insights into how major companies such as Nokia, Ford, and Sony approach design. Finally, we are shown an exciting vision of what design can offer us in the future and especially its role in humanizing new technology.
Learned, thoughtful, and filled with lively examples, Toothpicks and Logos offers an entirely new slant on design, bringing clarity and insight to a sprawling and staggeringly complicated subject.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192803212
• ISBN13: 9780192803214
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 1.0" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

clear and concise overview on design today

This is a well written snapshot of what comprises the disciplines of "design," from industrial products or even entire environemnts to the crafting of organizational images. In a perfect economy or detail, the curious reader can explore the modalities of all these disciplines as they are practiced today. It is useful and indeed fascinating. I know of no better source for those interested in these issues.For example, according to Heskett, there are product design companies that rely on single maestros - designers celebiritries such as Philippe Starck. Then, there are team-based groups springing up in the US, like IDEO, that can design anything very quickly on demand, from toothbrush handles to Palm Pilots. Finally, there are sepcialised design groups within corporations, some of which act like consultencies that have to bid for business in competition with outside competitors (this occurs in Philips). Heskett does the same for graphic design, public relations, etc., so there is much here for those seeking specific answers to certain questions as well as a larger contextual overview.It is nice to find a design book that is not a picture book, but one based on content and analysis. I will consult this for years to come for its holistic perspective on the multi-faceted disciplines that make up "design."Recommended warmly.

Well designed overview of what design is and why it matters.

This book held my attention and enjoyably helped me understand the concept of design from a holistic point of view rather than a "graphic design," "industrial design" or "any-other-niche design" point of view. Heskett has written a very readable (5-6 hours, and I don't read fast) book that successfully communicates what design is and why it is important. He helped me understand why design is personal, cultural and everywhere. Most of us, at some level, understand why design is important (especially when we experience poor design), but it was very educational to be reminded of this by someone with his perspective and understanding. He provides foundation (The 1st three chapters are "What is Design?," "The Historical Evolution of Design," and "Utility and Significance") and then details five applications of design (a chapter per application). The areas of application are "Objects," Communications," Environments," Identities," and "Systems." He concludes with a chapter on the contexts in which design exists and a look at the future of design. It is well written, and packed with great insights. I look forward to reading it again and gleaning more.

great book

Gives a quality overview of the layers of design concerns and approaches for industrial design. No topic is examined in depth, which keeps the book flowing and light.