Judge This
Chip Kidd
2015, 125 pages
Nonfiction
In Judge This, Chip Kidd, a book designer and TED speaker, introduces what he calls “The Mysteri-o-meter.” This is a simple scale with clarity on one end and mystery on the other. He explains that all of us are impacted by the way things are designed, and whether they are clear, mysterious or a little of both. He also points out that neither clear nor mysterious is bad, but both need to be used appropriately.
For example, a tax form or a GPS should not appear mysterious (even if they do) and an ad or a book cover might be pretty boring without a little mystery (but not so much that you can’t tell what it’s for). After this introduction, Kidd invites readers to judge for themselves, presenting various items from everyday life – a vintage razor, signs, ads, and yes, even a tax form. In the final section of the book he shows how he applies the principles of mystery and clarity in his own work in publishing.
As a reader, I enjoyed seeing familiar book covers and learning what inspired their design. A fun, engaging read, which might make you look twice at – and judge – the world around you.
Deb Baker
Concord Public Library
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