Neumeier, M: 46 Rules of Genius

Introduction What is a genius? Part 1: How can I innovate? Rule #1: Break the rules. Rule #2: Wish for what you want. Rule #3: Feel before you think. Rule #4: See what's not there. Rule #5: Ask a bigger question. Rule #6: Frame problems tightly. Rule #7: Think whole thoughts. Rule #8: Stay in the dragon pit. Rule #9: Approach answers obliquely. Rule #10: Wait for the jolt. Rule #11: Use beauty as a yardstick. Part 2: How should I work? Rule #12: Design quickly, decide slowly. Rule #13: Use a linear process for static elements. Rule #14: Use a dynamic process for interactive elements. Rule #15: Work to an appropriate structure. Rule #16: Express related elements in a similar manner. Rule #17: Match form to function, function to form. Rule #18: Don't be boring. Rule #19: Put the surprise where you want the attention. Rule #20: Apply aesthetics deliberately. Rule #21: Visualize with sketches, models, or prototypes. Rule #22: Tolerate messiness. Rule #23: Test your ideas in realistic situations. Rule #24: Simplify. Part 3: How should I learn? Rule #25: Learn how to learn. Rule #26: Start from wonder, not belief. Rule #27: Do your own projects. Rule #28: Keep a hero file. Rule #29: Invest in your originality. Rule #30: Learn strategically. Rule #31: Neutralize your weaknesses. Rule #32: Spend long hours in the joy zone. Rule #33: Make educational mistakes. Rule #34: Seek instructive criticism. Rule #35: Feed your passion. Rule #36: Develop an authentic style. Rule #37: Practice. Part 4: How can I contribute? Rule #38: Overcommit to a mission. Rule #39: Stay focused. Rule #40: Follow through. Rule #41: Practice good design. Rule #42: Build support methodically. Rule #43: Don't blame others. Rule #44: Join a network. Rule #45: Become who you are. Rule #46: Make new rules.

Marty Neumeier is an author, designer, and business adviser whose mission is to bring the principles and processes of creativity to industry. His series of "whiteboard" books includes The Brand Gap, widely considered the foundation of modern brand-building; Zag, named one of the "top hundred business books of all time" for its insights into brand strategy; and The Designful Company, a guide to building a culture of nonstop innovation. His latest book, The 46 Rules of Genius, lays out a universal map to innovation mastery. In 1996, Neumeier founded Critique magazine, the first journal about design thinking. He has worked closely with innovative companies such as Apple, Netscape, Sun Microsystems, HP, Adobe, Google, and Microsoft to help advance their brands and cultures. Today he serves as Director of Transformation for Liquid Agency in Silicon Valley, and travels extensively as a workshop leader and speaker on the topics of innovation, brand, and design. Between trips, he and his wife divide their time between California and southwest France.