Resources That Inspire My Practice.
Every professional journey is punctuated by moments of learning, inspiration, and reflection. Key to these moments are resources that offer fresh perspectives, challenge conventional thinking, and ignite passion. Here, I've clustered some of the most influential books that have profoundly shaped my approach and understanding in my field. I've clustered these transformative reads into three pivotal themes:
Design & Disability, Body & Identity, and Healthcare & Data. These clusters not only reflect the diverse topics that resonate with me but also stand as foundational pillars that continually inform and inspire my practice.
Design & Disability
This cluster delves into the world of design, specifically focusing on its intersection with disability. It unravels how thoughtful design can empower, include, and create profound change.
"Design Meets Disability" by Graham Pullin: A compelling narrative advocating for designs that marry fashion and disability.
"Mismatch" by Kat Holmes: A testament to the significance of inclusive design in creating universally accessible environments.
"After Universal Design" by Elizabeth Guffey: A critical examination of the universal design movement's evolution and its implications.
"What Can A Body Do?" by Sara Hendren: An exploration of the limits and potentials of the human body in design contexts.
"Making Disability Modern" by Elizabeth Guffey & Bess Williamson: A dive into the history and modern interpretations of disability and design.
Body & Identity
This cluster journeys into the realm of the human body and identity, questioning societal perceptions, technological interventions, and individual experiences.
"Body Consciousness" by Richard Shusterman: A philosophical delve into how we perceive, experience, and live through our bodies.
"Mediating the Human Body" by Fortunati, Katz, Riccini: An examination of how technology mediates our relationship with our own bodies and with others.
"Designing with the Body" by Katarina Höök: Insights into the intricate relationship between embodied experiences and technological design.
Healthcare & Data
In an age of digital transformation, this cluster provides insights into the world of healthcare, emphasizing the role of data, technology, and design in reshaping patient experiences and outcomes.
"Health Design Thinking" by Ellen Lupton: A guide to integrating design thinking principles into healthcare for improved patient experiences.
"The Quantified Self" by Deborah Lupton: A critical look into the world of self-tracking, health, and data-driven identities.
"Data Feminism" by Catherine D'Ignazio & Lauren F. Klein: An exploration of the intersection of gender, power, and data in the modern world.
The journey of continuous learning shapes our perspectives, refines our methods, and enriches our practices. Many of the authors, such as Catherine D'Ignazio and Katarina Höök, are renowned academic scholars whose works I diligently follow. Beyond their books, I often delve into their publications in esteemed journals like the ACM Digital Library, She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, among others. These resources, both books and academic articles, offer a spectrum of insights from diverse fields, underscoring the transformative power of knowledge. I warmly invite fellow enthusiasts and professionals to explore these reads and journals, hoping they inspire the same passion and introspection in you as they have in me.
