SKU: 97505242908

Success Through Failure: The Paradox of Design

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Description

Success Through Failure: The Paradox of DesignDesign pervades our lives. Everything from drafting a PowerPoint presentation to planning a state of the art bridge embodies this universal human activity. But what makes a great design? In this compelling and wide ranging look at the essence of invention, distinguished engineer and author Henry Petroski argues that, time and again, we have built success on the back of failure not through easy imitation of success. Success through Failure shows us

Design pervades our lives. Everything from drafting a PowerPoint presentation to planning a state-of-the-art bridge embodies this universal human activity. But what makes a great design? In this compelling and wide-ranging look at the essence of invention, distinguished engineer and author Henry Petroski argues that, time and again, we have built success on the back of failure--not through easy imitation of success.

Success through Failure shows us that making something better--by carefully anticipating and thus averting failure--is what invention and design are all about. Petroski explores the nature of invention and the character of the inventor through an unprecedented range of both everyday and extraordinary examples--illustrated lectures, child-resistant packaging for drugs, national constitutions, medical devices, the world's tallest skyscrapers, long-span bridges, and more. Stressing throughout that there is no surer road to eventual failure than modeling designs solely on past successes, he sheds new light on spectacular failures, from the destruction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 and the space shuttle disasters of recent decades, to the collapse of the World Trade Center in 2001.


Petroski also looks at the prehistoric and ancient roots of many modern designs. The historical record, especially as embodied in failures, reveals patterns of human social behavior that have implications for large structures like bridges and vast organizations like NASA. Success through Failure--which will fascinate anyone intrigued by design, including engineers, architects, and designers themselves--concludes by speculating on when we can expect the next major bridge failure to occur, and the kind of bridge most likely to be involved.

-- "Architectural Science Review"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/29/2018
ISBN: 9780691180991
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 0.90d
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SKU: 97505242908

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Michele S
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Keeps pups busy!
Color: Fox-Crocodile
Great price for this item!! Makes puppies work for their treats and so cute. Squeaky and crinkly noises. Seems durable so far.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026
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Aimee
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
A favorite with my dogs but didn't last long
Color: Fox-Crocodile, Color: Fox-Crocodile
These have been a HUGE hit with my aggressive chewers but after less than 3 months, this is all that is left of the poor fox and alligator. My youngest STILL plays with them like they are brand new. I will probably buy them again but wish they were actually designed for aggressive chewers as advertised. I would say it's more for the average chewer. 4 stars because it was a good purchase and a top favorite toy but just didn't last long.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2026
M
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Michelle Caines
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Too Cute!!!
Color: Fox-Crocodile, Color: Fox-Crocodile
This was a pleasant surprise and especially for the price!!! You get a 2 pack of toys!!!! They are absolutely adorable and made to last!!! Soft and lightweight!!! Has a nice squeakiness which my dog adores. I appreciate that they are made to fold up and Velcro so they become very compact. You can store them so easily and/or slide in your purse, traveling bag or leave one in your car. They fold up to be the size of folded socks. I recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026
C
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Connie
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 3
Our pup loves it (to pieces)!
Color: Fox-Crocodile
Fun toy for our playful pup, but nothing indestructible. She finds a seam and in days, the toy is in bits. Lucky for us, she still enjoys playing with parts! Package of 2. One down, one to go!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Ron Scherer
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Holds Up Well
Color: Fox-Crocodile
My dog loves this toy and after several months of heavy use he has yet to rip it apart like he's done with every other toy I've bought him. He has a hard time grabbing it with his teeth to play his usual tug of war games.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2026

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