[rmc00]

I've been asking the same questions lately and trying to find the answers. The problem that I've run into is that a lot of designers just feel what is right. It seems very instinctive, which makes it hard for them to pass on knowledge.

One designer that I found who seems to know and actively apply principles of good design is cameron moll (http://cameronmoll.com). Cameron gave a great talk a while back at the HOW Conference, and he posted a pdf to accompany the talk http://cameronmoll.com/archives/2009/05/free_download_good_v.... I think this document is a great starting point to learn about design. Obviously, a 10-page document doesn't cover everything possible, but it recommends a few books for learning more. I haven't been able to pick them up yet, but I suspect you will find them helpful.

1. How Designers Think by Bryan Lawson 2. The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst 3.Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler 4. The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman