[DOC] Defined by Design: The Surprising Power of Hidden Gender; Age; and Body Bias in Everyday Products and Places by Kathryn H. Anthony in Arts-Photography

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Challenge To Innovate Placing People FirstBy James J. MckayThoroughly researched. succinctly presented. and enjoyable to read. ldquo;Defined by Designrdquo; is a collection of opportunities to innovate. Dr. Anthony offers design examples challenging everyone from international designers to home caregivers to take action and make the world a better place. More than just a book about ldquo;thingsrdquo; and how they could be improved. ldquo;Defined by Designrdquo; encourages readers to think outside their own skin and experience designed places and things through othersrsquo; perspectives. Always thought provoking. each design example leaves the reader pondering multiple ldquo;what ifrdquo; scenarios. The book is an ideal launching point for further discussion in group contexts of college courses. professional design teams. hospitality providers. retail sales staff. health care professionals. or any collective of people who seek to serve their community. enhance quality of life. and design to make a difference.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This book implores us to see the world through anothers eyes.By PamI love the way Anthony delves into the histories of "why" so many everyday things are the way they are. You cant improve the future without knowing the why of the past and this book is a terrific compendium. So very interesting for anyone who wonders at the details which create our current lifestyles and asks "How did we get here?" Anthony makes the observation that design is everywhere and this book entertainingly points out by example a designers responsibilities. Its far too easy to approach a design problem first hand and assume that every user will see a situation the same way you did. This book implores us all. designers and non. to see the world through anothers eyes.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Perspective on Design!By FairnessThis was a fascinating read. The author examines the way that the design of fashion items. other products we use. and the built environment can exclude or even harm certain genders. ages. or body types. This was a real eye-opening look at the often unintended effects of design on the consumer; clearly the author has spent a lifetime observing and studying this phenomenon. I found myself checking my own expectations about things like department-store layout and speakers podia. topics I had never really considered before even though I am a user of both. What made this book really valuable to me were the numerous examples and stories of GOOD design. as well as the final chapter. "A Call To Action". in which the author offers up the notion that all of us can help improve the design of our environments by recognizing that which disadvantages us and by bringing it to the attention of those who can help to remedy it. She even provides concrete language for advocating for these changes. This is a book I will be gifting to many others.