In a nutshell: It's a visual guide exploring how typography, symbols, images, and colour carry distinct cultural meanings — and how designers can create more conscious communication across borders.
Here's the full description if you want to dive deeper:
Many designs that appear in today's society circulate across audiences of many different cultures and languages. With communication comes responsibility. Are we aware of the meaning and impact of our work?
An image or symbol that's acceptable in one culture can be offensive or even harmful in the next. A typeface or colour in a design might appear neutral, but its meaning is always culturally dependent.
Politics of Design is a collection of visual examples from around the world. Using ideas from anthropology and sociology, it creates surprising and educational insight into contemporary visual communication. The examples relate to the daily practice of both online and offline visual communication: typography, images, colour, symbols, and information.
This book shows the importance of visual literacy when communicating beyond borders and cultures. It explores the cultural meaning behind the symbols, maps, photography, typography, and colours we use every day.
If designers learn to be aware of global cultural contexts, we can avoid stereotyping and help improve mutual understanding between people. It's a practical guide for design and communication professionals and students to create more effective and responsible visual communication.
More about the book:
The book also has a website with additional resources and a blog exploring topics related to design and politics.
http://thepoliticsofdesign.com/
About the author :
Ruben Pater is a designer and researcher based in Amsterdam. His design practice focuses on the social and political aspects of graphic design and visual communication. He runs Untold Stories, an independent design studio dedicated to creating work with social impact.
Ruben has taught at various design schools across Europe and has written extensively about the politics of visual communication. His work challenges the idea of neutrality in design and examines how visual choices carry ideological weight.
It's FoF Portugal design book club with a twist
Bookish exists because traditional book clubs can feel intimidating.
The pressure to finish, the fear of not having "smart" things to say, the guilt when life gets busy - we're removing all of that.
What we believe:
Learning shouldn't feel like homework
Community matters more than completion
Questions are more valuable than perfect answers
Design books are better when discussed together
Everyone has something to contribute
Progress > Perfection
What to expect:
A casual monthly gathering
Discussion about a design book
Sometimes the author joins us
Space for questions and curiosity
Connection with fellow designers
Zero judgment, maximum learning
What NOT to expect:
A quiz
Mandatory reading
Formal presentations
Judgment for not finishing
Corporate vibes
Homework
FAQ
Do I have to read the book? Nope. But you're welcome to if you want.
What if I only read half? Perfect. Come tell us about that half.
Can I just listen without talking? Absolutely. We love our lurkers.
Do I need to turn my camera on? Only if you want to. No pressure.
What if I have a "dumb" question? There are no dumb questions here. Ask away.
Is this only for experienced designers? Nope. Curious minds at any level are welcome.
What should I bring? Your curiosity and your favorite beverage.
How long are the sessions? Usually 60-90 minutes, but you can leave whenever you need to.
Will it be recorded? No, now on just the sessions with the presence of the author will be recorded.
Can I suggest books for future sessions? Yes please! Drop your suggestions in the comments on our social media, Slack Community or DM us.
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