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We want to believe our ideas will be adored and we will influence big decisions. But this is not how the real world works. What we call designing is in reality mostly advising. We make things as suggestions for powerful people—clients, executives, and project teams—and they often ignore our expertise. We’re in denial that bad design makes money. We’re somehow still surprised that organizations make it hard for us to do good work. This is why design is hard.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this potent, humorous, real-world–based book you’ll learn how to use the skills you already have to overcome the people and systems that currently hold you back.

Watch the explainer video about the book:

Early praise for Why Design Is Hard:

“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 McWatters, Vice President, Product Design for Max / HBO Max

“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 Rush, Creative 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 Michalski, Product Designer

Praise for How Design Makes The World the prequel to Why Design is Hard:

“A masterpiece… the best book I’ve ever read on design thinking, and has replaced ‘The Design of Everyday Things’ as my go-to recommendation for design books.” Vanessa Harris, Google PM

“This fascinating book will help you see design everywhere and question why it works–or why it fails” – Ellen Lupton, curator at Cooper- Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

“An invaluable, essential resource that demystifies and democratizes design for everyone who lives with it–which is to say, all of us.” – Khoi Vinh, Principal Designer at Adobe and Former Design Director of The New York Times

“Design does indeed make the world… a highly readable book about this fact.” – Henry Petroski, author of Small Things Considered: Why There Is No Perfect Design

“Nobody’s better at explaining how the world really works than Scott Berkun.” – Jeffrey Zeldman, co-founder of A List Apart

“A brilliant book.” – Alan Cooper, Author of About Face and founder of Cooper Interaction Design

Buy Why Design Is Hard: On Amazon.

Buy How Design Makes The World: at Amazon.com, on Kindle,  Paperback or Audiobook.