Account
Design Observer
About
Long-running design criticism publication founded in 2003. One of the most serious venues for sustained design writing — covering graphic design, architecture, urbanism, typography, and visual culture from a critical rather than promotional perspective. Associated with writers including Michael Bierut, Jessica Helfand, Rick Poynor, and others.
Why Follow
One of the few places where design is written about critically rather than admired uncritically. The archive of essays is substantial and serious. Useful for understanding design history, design criticism methodology, and how to think and write about visual work with rigor.
Notable Output
- Essay archive going back to 2003 — design history in real time
- "Observatory" — short-form critical responses to visual events
- Books and anthologies from the Design Observer Group
- Podcast series on design and visual culture
