Discovering Manufacturing: A Designer’s Curiosity Journey
A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a fascinating book that product designers should definitely check out: MAKING IT, from Chris Lefteri. This book dives into manufacturing but keeps it approachable, making it fun even for those who aren’t deep into the technical details.
Why This Book is a Must-Read for Design Students
The beauty of Lefteri’s writing is how it sparks curiosity without overwhelming you. It’s perfect for students and anyone curious about how things are made — and yes, you don’t have to read every page. Flip through, pause where it grabs you, and discover manufacturing stories that bring design to life.
Fun Facts That Make You See Everyday Objects Differently
For example, did you know every plastic bottle starts with the same shape? That little collar on the bottle isn’t just decoration; it’s designed to slide effortlessly along production rails. Such details reveal the genius behind everyday products.
Apple’s Magic: Simple Techniques Behind Iconic Products
The book also reveals how Apple, a brand synonymous with sleek design, uses clever and simple manufacturing methods.
Take the mini iPod clip—it’s a great example of merging beauty, functionality, and mass production.
Apple’s secret?
Combining quality with simplicity.
A Missing Steve Jobs Moment: The Bendable iPhone Anecdote
And here’s a little anecdote — when a friend told me about Apple’s bendable iPhone, I thought it was a cool feature! Turns out, it wasn’t. Sometimes, even the best misses a step, reminding us how much Steve Jobs shaped design perfection.
This book is a great companion for any product designer who wants to understand how creativity meets making. Have you read it? What’s your favorite manufacturing story?
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
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I used to enjoy drawing…just trying to get back into it. Hopefully this will help me figure out where to start again.