‘Beyond Design’ targets young audiences with a direct, bold, and informative design style. This approach is evident in the book cover, choice of contemporary sans-serif typeface (Din), and simple layouts, all of which contribute to its clear and accessible presentation.

The book cover features the logo of Hybrid Crocodile, a self-publishing platform founded by Renate Boere, designed in an infographic-like style. The concentric patterns on the cover indicate the relationship between ideas, interdisciplinary networks, strategies, and processes, creating a gear system that illustrates the collaborative effort needed for a successful social design project.

Content-wise and design-wise, the book is divided into three parts: the novel, behind the scenes, and step-by-step instruction. The novel and step-by-step instruction sections are designed to be simple and neat, aligning with the overall goal of making complex information transparent and understandable for a wider audience. This direct design approach ensures that the stories and valuable information are highlighted without distractions.

The ‘behind the scenes’ section is strategically placed between the two informational parts, providing a break with joyful images of studio life, real-life stories, tips, and tricks. This section exudes a collaborative DIY vibe, encouraging young creators to adopt a dare-to-try attitude, learn from challenges, and enjoy the collaborative nature of design work.

The design of Beyond Design not only complements its content but also enhances the reader’s experience by encouraging creativity, and fostering a hands-on approach to socially relevant design projects. Blank pages with step-by-step instructions are included at the end of the book, after the detailed descriptions. This design choice provides space for readers to jot down their ideas and encourages them to take immediate action while engaging with the book.