Design and Innovation: 50 Memos for Young Designers

● 50 ways of thinking that can inspire not only designers, but also any maker, artist, or even business person.

"I wanted to write a book that I would have loved to read 15 years ago,
a book that could guide me on my life's journey and help me avoid detours."

Good innovation can lead to connections that pave the way to a better future; good design, on the other hand, can truly manifest these connections into beautiful forms. How can one pursue and achieve both, and create the future one desires with their own hands? Since the advent of the internet age, in the constantly changing world of design, how can one create truly excellent designs?

Author Eisuke Tachikawa started his own business while still a student and, within just ten years, rose to become a leading designer in Japan, gaining international recognition for a series of disaster prevention works. This book compiles the 50 ways of thinking he has formulated. The author believes that one must first recognize their own abilities and, from the very beginning, set the highest standard of work as a goal to surpass. Then, one must consider what constitutes "good" design, ponder what they truly want to create, and actively learn from different fields, subsequently attempting to combine and utilize the characteristics of both to spark innovation, solving underlying problems while designing products. Finally, he mentions that, in order to draw upon more excellent ideas and fields, design should move towards collective intelligence, jointly creating future value. From practical methods to mindset adjustments, this book thoroughly yet concisely covers Mr. Tachikawa's acquired philosophies on design, innovation, and life.

These 50 ways of thinking are not only applicable to the design industry but can be applied to all fields. Whether you are a maker, artist, entrepreneur, a reformer seeking change, or someone who wants to create beautiful designs, this book can provide some inspiration and enlightenment. We hope that more people will join in leading societal change, moving closer to the future we envision.

◎ Eisuke Tachikawa personally designed the cover; an exclusive preface for the Taiwan edition is included.