How an engineer started learning more about design

I had someone ask me what path I have been following while learning design. Like any engineer I started by breaking down the problem into components so I could tackle them individually.

1.) Where to start: first problem was the classic chicken and egg issue of tool versus techniques. I didn't know any design / graphics tools because I wouldn't know what to do with them. Then I didn't bother learning any design principles because I couldn't implement anything without a tool.

2.) Tools: I decided to start with Adobe Fireworks / Photoshop. Feel free to substitute your own tool here. I read through a basic book on how to use these tools. I tried not to get too hung up on specifics, but focused on learning enough so that I didn't freeze when opening either of them up.

3.) Design Basics: a couple of books by Robin Williams (not the comedian): The Non-Designer's Design Book and Design Workshop. What is great about these books is that they focus on basics, such as, alignment and contrast. Just by becoming more conscious of 5 or 6 principles, I saw an immediate improvement in my work.

4.) Typography: The Designers Type Book (also by Robin Williams), Mac OS X Fonts, Mac is not a Typewriter. Again substitute an equivalent for the PC if that is your platform.

5.) Color: Guide to Communicating in Color and Color Design Workbook. These just explain basics about how color communicates with users.

6.) Layout with: Making and Breaking the Grid.

7.) Usability (which is different than design), such as, Designing Web Usability and Don't Make Me Think.

8.) Interfaces: Designing Interfaces and Designing Web Interfaces.

They key is to set a pace and not get discouraged. It is all about getting better than you currently are and developing a vocabulary so you can communicate with designers better. I know find that I have a much better idea of what the design process is and am less frustrated when working with top notch designers.