In this series, 'ridiculous' is a relative term, because what is nonsense for one can be an important guideline for another. In these pleasing and educational books, it is not about laying down the law. For each of the 51 rules covered in each book, Van Gaalen refers to quotes by famous fellow designers, who either think there is something to the rule or have made a personal variation of it. Whether you agree with them or not, the Ridiculous Design books sharpen your own thoughts about the rules and the assumed truths of design, advertising, fashion, photography and the Internet.
Each rule is convincingly illustrated, with the illustrations either confirming or disproving the rule in question.