Why Design is Hard

The sequel to How Design Makes The World, written for designers. It teaches designers how to reframe their biggest frustrations working in organizations into solvable problems. Designers want to believe their ideas will be adored and they will influence big decisions, yet most of the time others make the decisions designers wish were theirs to make. With humor, insight, and practical advice on the common and most difficult situations designers face, this book will help you create a fulfilling and healthy design career.

Bonus Resources

“I don’t know how they authors fit so much into a 100-page essay: power dynamics, office politics, game theory, the psychology of persuasion, masking, organizational inertia, emotional intelligence, and so much more.. its about reaching a fulfilling career by focusing on ways to increase your power, influence, and/or self-awareness.”

Ben RushCreative Director

“A refreshingly honest take on why design work often feels like an uphill battle. The authors nail the real challenges designers face: organizational politics, limited resources, and the challenge of turning good ideas into meaningful impact… grab this book.”

Adam MichalskiProduct Designer

“I just finished—and recommend— Berkun’s latest book, “Why Design is Hard.” the real struggle, the daily grind, is not so much about the work but about contexts, constraints, and personalities that make designers question their very existence. Scott’s book is concise, breezy, yet filled with excellent strategies for succeeding when the world—or, at least, your organization—is tilted against you.”

Michael McWattersVP Product Design for Max/HBO

Everything we use, from our homes to our smartphones, from highways to hammers, was designed by someone. How did they decide what was good for the rest of us? What did they get right and where have they let us down? And what can we learn from the way these experts think that can help us make decisions in our own lives?

This book teaches everyone:

  • What good design is and why it’s so important
  • How our lives are defined by designs, good and bad, made by others
  • How to ask better questions of everything we buy, use and make

And it gives designers and makers:

  • A fun and fast way to explain what we do to coworkers and friends
  • A tool for making organizations more design mature
  • Stories to use to be a better ambassador for good design

The powers of creative thinking can be yours if you’re willing to laugh and learn in this concise, cliche free and memorable short book.

With challenging chapters on topics like creative confidence, making bold decisions, and separating the need for feedback from the desire for encouragement, even if you’ve read other books on the subject or if this is your first, The Dance of The Possible will surprise you, make you think, laugh and perhaps even dance when you get back to work.

Read the FREE chapters here.  Read related blog posts about this book.

This updated paperback edition of the classic bestseller, takes you on a hilarious, fast-paced ride through the history of ideas. You’ll learn to transcend the false stories that deceive many business experts, scientists, and much of pop culture, with history based lessons on how to invent, create and deliver on your own ideas.  You’ll have fun while you learn:

  • Where ideas come from
  • The true history of history
  • Why most people don’t like ideas
  • How great managers make ideas thrive
  • The importance of problem finding
  • The simple plan (new for paperback)

Since its initial publication, this classic bestseller has been discussed on NPR, MSNBC, CNBC, and at Yale University, MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Google, Amazon.com, and other major media, corporations, and universities. It has changed the way thousands of leaders and creators understand the world.