The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design vs. The Design Of Everyday Things
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
The Brand Gap is the first book to present a unified theory of brand-building. Whereas most books on branding are weighted toward either a strategic or creative approach, this book shows how both ways of thinking can unite to produce a “charismatic brand”―a brand that customers feel is essential to their lives. In an entertaining two-hour read you’ll learn: • the new definition of brand • the five essential disciplines of brand-building • how branding is changing the dynamics of competition • the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand • why collaboration is the key to brand-building • how design determines a customer’s experience • how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply • the importance of managing brands from the inside • 220-word brand glossary
The Design Of Everyday Things
Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this ingenious -- even liberating -- book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology. The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization. The Design of Everyday Things shows that good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only f...


Reviews
Reviews
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No pros yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No pros yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Frequently Asked Questions
'The Design Of Everyday Things' delves into the principles of cognitive psychology to explain why some products are user-friendly and others are not. It focuses on the importance of visible controls, natural relationships between functions, and intelligent use of constraints. On the other hand, 'The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design' offers a unified theory of brand-building and emphasizes the collaboration between strategic and creative approaches to create charismatic brands. If your primary interest is in understanding the intricacies of product design, 'The Design Of Everyday Things' would be more beneficial. However, if you are looking to understand how design impacts branding and business strategy, 'The Brand Gap' would be more suitable.
'The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design' is specifically tailored for those who want to improve their brand-building strategy. It presents a unified theory of brand-building, covering essential disciplines, the dynamics of competition, and the importance of collaboration. 'The Design Of Everyday Things,' while insightful on product usability and design principles, does not focus on branding strategy. Therefore, for entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their brand-building efforts, 'The Brand Gap' is the more suitable choice.
'The Brand Gap' is a book that presents a unified theory of brand-building, combining both strategic and creative approaches. It aims to help businesses create 'charismatic brands' that customers feel are essential to their lives. The book covers topics such as the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the importance of collaboration, the role of design in customer experience, and how to manage brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is authored by Marty Neumeier, a renowned branding expert who has written several influential books on the subject. Neumeier has extensive experience in brand consulting and design, making him a credible voice in the field of branding.
The main topics covered in 'The Brand Gap' include the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand, the importance of collaboration in brand-building, the role of design in customer experience, how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply, and the importance of managing brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is unique because it integrates both strategic and creative approaches to brand-building, rather than focusing on just one aspect. This holistic view helps businesses create more effective and charismatic brands. The book is also known for its concise and entertaining style, making complex concepts easy to understand in a short read.
'The Brand Gap' is designed to be a quick read, taking approximately two hours to complete. Despite its brevity, the book is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice for brand-building.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' is a book that explores the principles of good product design. It argues that many common usability issues stem from poor design that ignores the needs of users and cognitive psychology principles. The book emphasizes making controls and functions visible, using natural relationships, and applying intelligent constraints to guide users effortlessly.
The author of 'The Design Of Everyday Things' is Don Norman, a renowned cognitive scientist and usability engineer known for his contributions to the field of design.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' discusses several key principles of good design, including making things visible, exploiting natural relationships between controls and their functions, and using constraints intelligently to guide users towards the right actions.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' is considered a powerful primer on design because it provides clear, actionable guidelines for creating user-friendly products. It explains why certain designs frustrate users and offers practical solutions to make products more intuitive and satisfying to use.
Related Content & Alternatives
- 21.Confessions of an Advertising Man
David Ogilvy was considered the "father of advertising" and a creative genius by many of the biggest global brands. First published in 1963, this seminal book revolutionized the world of advertising and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It also became an international bestseller, translated into 14 languages. Fizzing with Ogilvy's pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, it covers not only advertising, but also people management, corporate ethics, and office politics, and forms an essential blueprint for good practice in business.
- 11.The Creative Act
“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin
- 02.How to Write One Song
There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song. Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn't a cute semantic trick—it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S songwriter can seem daunting, but approached as a focused, self-contained event, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit. And then there is the energizing, nourishing creativity that can open up. How to Write One Song brings readers into the intimate process of writing one song—lyrics, music, and putting it all together—and accesses the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly fulfilling, artistic act. But it’s equally about the importance of making creativity part of your life every day, and of experiencing the hope, inspiration, and joy available to anyone who’s willing to get started.
- 11.The Black Swan
"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed "Black Swans." Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.
- 12.Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life is a nonfiction book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, published in 2018. Taleb’s main point is pretty simple: people should share in the risks of the decisions they make. If you benefit from something, you should also face the downsides if things go wrong. He calls this having “skin in the game.” Without that, people can make reckless choices that hurt others while staying safe themselves. The book covers everything from politics and business to religion and everyday life. Taleb doesn’t hold back on criticism. He talks about how some policymakers and financial experts make decisions that affect millions but don’t suffer when those decisions backfire. He uses examples like bankers profiting during booms but getting bailed out during crashes. Taleb also goes after what he calls “Intellectual Yet Idiot” types—educated people who, in his view, complicate things and give advice without understanding real-world consequences. He argues that real knowledge comes from doing and risking something yourself, not just sitting in a classroom or writing articles. One part of the book dives into how stubborn minorities—like people who strictly follow certain dietary rules—can influence the majority’s choices without even trying. There’s even a section where he talks about religion, saying that the idea of God taking human form (in Christianity) is the ultimate example of having skin in the game. Taleb’s writing style is direct, sometimes blunt, and he isn’t shy about calling out what he sees as nonsense. The book is part of his Incerto series, which looks at uncertainty and risk in modern life. Some people love his no-nonsense approach; others find him a bit too combative. Either way, Skin in the Game is about accountability—if you play the game, you should be prepared to take a hit when things go south.
- 04.Fooled by Randomness
"Fooled by Randomness" is a thought-provoking book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that delves into the role of chance in our lives and how we often mistake random events for meaningful patterns. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and statistical analysis, Taleb explores how randomness affects the world of finance, business, and daily life. The book challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of success, failure, and the forces that drive outcomes. This book is ideal for readers interested in finance, probability, and the philosophical implications of randomness.
- 05.The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
"The Bed of Procrustes" is a collection of aphorisms by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that distills his philosophical insights into short, thought-provoking statements. The title refers to the Greek myth of Procrustes, symbolizing the tendency to force things into unnatural conformity. Through these aphorisms, Taleb critiques modern society's flaws, biases, and misconceptions, offering a sharp, often humorous, commentary on topics ranging from knowledge and science to wealth and human behavior. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy deep, philosophical musings and appreciate Taleb's sharp wit and unconventional perspectives.
- 61.Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
"Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems and entities that thrive and grow stronger in the face of stress, volatility, and chaos. Taleb introduces the concept of "antifragility," which goes beyond resilience or robustness. Through a mix of philosophy, practical wisdom, and real-world examples, Taleb illustrates how embracing uncertainty and leveraging disorder can lead to success and innovation. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, personal development, and understanding how to benefit from uncertainty and change.
- 42.What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he talks about two things that define a big part of his life: running and writing. Murakami didn’t always plan on being a novelist. He was running a jazz bar in his twenties when, while watching a baseball game, he suddenly thought, “I could write a novel.” He gave it a shot, it worked out, and he eventually sold his bar to focus on writing full-time. But sitting at a desk all day, smoking and not moving much, wasn’t doing his health any good. That’s when he picked up running. For Murakami, running is more than just exercise—it’s part of his routine and, in a way, a metaphor for writing. Both take endurance. Both are long hauls where you push yourself day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. The book follows him as he trains for marathons, competes in triathlons, and grapples with the slow decline of his physical abilities as he ages. He talks a lot about acceptance—accepting getting older, accepting bad race times, and accepting that sometimes you just don’t do as well as you hoped. His attitude is basically: That’s life. You move on. The writing style is straightforward, like he’s just talking to you over a coffee. He doesn’t dress things up. Sometimes he rambles, mentioning things like cycling habits or going off on tangents about global warming. At one point, he describes running the original marathon route in Greece—sun blazing, salt stinging his eyes, everything uncomfortable. But through it all, there’s this calm acceptance. He’s not trying to convince anyone to run; he just shares what it means to him. By the end, what sticks isn’t just the running or the writing, but the way he embraces both the highs and the lows—the post-race blues, the joy of finishing, and the satisfaction of something as simple as a cold beer after a long run. It’s a book about effort, routine, and learning to keep going, no matter what.
- 33.The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Skin in the Game may be nice but The Black Swan is the OG Nicholas Taleb. Read this book to learn how to think and avoid biases and reread at least once very couple of years.
- 18.Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
The great thing about this book is that it takes a big-picture view of human history. It attempts to explain the main themes of human history without getting bogged down in the details. Sapiens also debunks many popular myths about human history, including the one that people today live happier lives and have better diets than our hunter-gatherer predecessors. It comes with an epilogue about the future of humankind in light of ever-accelerating technological progress. With the recent advances in AI it is more relevant than ever. If you're going to read one book on history this year, read this one.
- 11.The Marketing Newsletter
To get simple ideas and useful tools that help you save time and grow faster. Whether you're working on a business, building a brand, or improving your projects, you’ll find practical tips and strategies to make your work easier and more effective. To get simple ideas and useful tools that help you save time and grow faster. Whether you're working on a business, building a brand, or improving your projects, you’ll find practical tips and strategies to make your work easier and more effective.
- 31.Why We Sleep
By Mathew Walker - We sleep 1/3 of our life yet understand so little about it...
- 22.Life Time by Russell Foster
A book about the circadian rhythm. Apparently, it's really misunderstood, even by your doctor. Read this book to understand your body better. It helped me improve my sleep.
- 04.Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Discover the secrets to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life with "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. This insightful book delves into the Japanese concept of ikigai, or a "reason for being," which is believed to be a key factor in the remarkable longevity of the residents of Okinawa, a Japanese village known for having the world’s highest percentage of centenarians. Through interviews with these vibrant centenarians, the authors uncover how the principles of ikigai—where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—contribute to their happiness and longevity. The book reveals the residents' daily practices, from their nutrient-rich diets and active lifestyles to their strong community bonds and purposeful work. "Ikigai" provides practical advice and tools to help readers discover their own ikigai, offering a blend of cultural wisdom and actionable steps towards a life filled with purpose, health, and joy. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their well-being and finding deeper satisfaction in everyday life.
- 012.Discover the Success Secrets Behind the 15-Day Business Builder Challenge
In an engaging YouTube tutorial, the speaker presents a case study of their online coaching experience, emphasizing the "15-day business builder challenge" offered by legendary mocker. Initially skeptical about its low cost, the creator elaborates on how the product surpasses expectations, providing substantial value and catalyzing an expectation shift among users. The video further discusses the broader implications of setting price points in digital marketing, suggesting that a modest investment can lead to significant educational empowerment and reduced refund demands. The presentation concludes by inviting viewers to try the challenge themselves via a provided link and to subscribe for more insightful content. The Little Investment That Could: How $7 Opens Doors in Online Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0tD-jGQ6O4
- 022.Breaking Down the Competition Curve in YouTube Marketing
A profound narrative unfolds in the video as the speaker recounts his initial entanglement with misleading online money-making strategies, emphasizing the uselessness of quick-fix solutions like buying accounts and using proxies. A significant insight was gained when they turned to seasoned online marketers who advocated for a structured and genuine digital marketing education, steering the speaker away from the deceptive practices that initially trapped them. Leveraging Genuine Connections Over Superficial Strategies in Marketing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx47VOC7kfE
- 02.The Martian
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
- 025.Social Growth Engineers
Introducing your go-to platform for organic social media marketing insights—built specifically to help growth marketers, AI founders, and indie hackers scale their apps faster than ever before. Our comprehensive resource hub combines best-in-class tactics, actionable case studies, and step-by-step growth hacks, all curated from real-world successes and battle-tested by experienced marketers. From mastering TikTok’s rapidly evolving algorithm to leveraging Instagram Reels for explosive brand awareness, you’ll uncover unique, under-the-radar techniques not found anywhere else online. Read daily by thousands of professionals worldwide, our platform breaks through the noise with 100% original strategies tailored for today’s fast-paced mobile and AI-driven markets. We pride ourselves on delivering “never before written about” methods and advanced growth frameworks that give you the competitive edge you need. Best of all, it’s completely free—every single day, you can expect fresh articles, deep dives, and how-to guides released right to your inbox, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re an early-stage founder looking for your first wins or a seasoned marketer refining your approach, our platform empowers you to turn cutting-edge research into real results—no fluff, no filler, just pure growth potential.
- 15.Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life is William Finnegan’s story about growing up obsessed with surfing. It’s not just about catching waves—it’s about a whole way of life that’s demanding, addictive, and sometimes dangerous. Finnegan started young, learning to surf in California and Hawaii, and kept chasing waves into adulthood, traveling through places like Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa. Along the way, he mixes adventure with self-reflection, talking about friendships formed in the water, the culture around surfing, and how it all fit with the times—especially during the social changes of the 1960s and '70s. The book isn’t just about the thrill of surfing; Finnegan dives into the technical side of waves and the patience it takes to master them. He’s honest about his youthful recklessness—like taking LSD before surfing a massive wave in Maui—and the risks that came with his travels, from malaria scares to navigating shady markets. Still, surfing pulls him along, even when he’s juggling a career as a war reporter and later, family life. At its core, Barbarian Days is an old-fashioned adventure tale mixed with a thoughtful look at what it means to be hooked on something so completely. Finnegan’s writing captures both the beauty and the grind of surfing, making you feel like you’re right there with him—whether on a remote beach or paddling out into icy waves off Long Island.