Well-Designed Book Summary - Well-Designed Book explained in key points
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Well-Designed summary

Jon Kolko

How to Use Empathy to Create Products People Love

3.7 (197 ratings)
4 mins
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    Well-Designed
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    One big idea: Harness empathy for design innovation.

    Welcome to this Big Idea Blink. For this kind of Blink, our editors choose one thought-provoking insight from a book so you can learn something new within just a few minutes.

    This time, the idea we’d like to talk about is all about humanness in the business world. You see, some people think that the success of a product is purely based on its features or technological innovations. But something else, something non-technical is important, too: it’s empathy that is the actual game-changer.

    We’ll show you why in the upcoming section.

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    Key ideas in Well-Designed

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    What is Well-Designed about?

    Well-Designed (2014) is about the transformative power of empathy in product design. It explains how understanding and empathizing with users can lead to innovative and beloved products. The book offers practical advice on observing user behavior, understanding their needs, and creating products that resonate deeply with them.

    Well-Designed Review

    Well-Designed (2014) is a thought-provoking book that explores the intersection of design and business, offering valuable insights for both designers and non-designers alike. Here's what makes this book worth reading:

    • It provides a holistic perspective, showing how design thinking can be applied to solve complex problems in various industries.
    • The book presents a practical framework for integrating design into the business strategy, helping organizations create products and services that truly resonate with their target audience.
    • Through real-world case studies, it demonstrates the impact of good design on customer experience, brand perception, and overall business success.

    Who should read Well-Designed?

    • Product designers
    • User experience professionals
    • Innovative entrepreneurs

    About the Author

    Jon Kolko is an esteemed figure in the field of design and product development. His expertise lies in integrating design with business strategy. Kolko has authored several influential books, including Thoughts on Interaction Design and Exposing the Magic of Design.

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    Well-Designed FAQs 

    What is the main message of Well-Designed?

    The main message of Well-Designed is that design is a powerful tool for solving complex problems and creating meaningful experiences.

    How long does it take to read Well-Designed?

    The reading time for Well-Designed varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Well-Designed a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Well-Designed is a valuable read for anyone interested in design and its impact. It offers insights, principles, and practical examples that can be applied in various domains.

    Who is the author of Well-Designed?

    Jon Kolko is the author of Well-Designed.

    What to read after Well-Designed?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Well-Designed, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Emotional Design by Donald A. Norman
    • No-Excuses Innovation by Bruce Vojak & Walter Herbst
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda
    • Wiring the Winning Organization by Gene Kim & Steven J. Spear
    • Know What Matters by Ron Shaich
    • Obviously Awesome by April Dunford
    • Product Operations by Melissa Perri & Denise Tilles
    • Quantum Marketing by Raja Rajamannar
    • Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows
    • 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan M. Weinschenk