Designing "The Most Interested Person" – A Book That Speaks Visually

When Rajesh Setty embarked on his 20th book, The Most Interested Person, we knew this wasn’t just another book design project. It was an opportunity to redefine how a book engages with its reader—not just through words, but through visuals, typography, and immersive storytelling.

Our goal? To make the book as visually interesting as its subject matter.

Instead of treating design as a secondary element, we wove it directly into the narrative, ensuring that every visual choice—from illustrations to typography to layout—held deep metaphorical significance. The result? A book that doesn’t just inform; it captivates.

‍

‍

The Design Philosophy: Why a Visually Engaging Book?

Traditional books rely on text as their primary medium, often treating design as an afterthought. But The Most Interested Person called for a different approach.

The book explores the power of curiosity, engagement, and deep listening—qualities that aren’t passive but active and immersive. The challenge was clear:

• How do we make readers feel that curiosity, rather than just read about it?
• How do we create a book that demands attention—not just through words, but through experience?

The answer lay in a bold, illustration-heavy approach, where every design choice served a purpose.

‍

‍

Illustrations: More Than Just Artwork—A Storytelling Device

Rather than treating illustrations as decorative elements, we infused them with meaning. Each image is carefully crafted to mirror the book’s themes—creating a layered experience where the visuals enhance the message.

Metaphors in Every Stroke

• The cover illustration features a figure standing in an open field, facing the horizon—a visual cue for looking beyond oneself, seeking understanding.
• Inside, illustrations use surreal landscapes, abstract forms, and human figures to symbolize concepts like self-reflection, blind spots, and perspective shifts.
• The Johari Window section (which discusses self-awareness) is visually broken into quadrants, reinforcing the framework in a way that text alone couldn’t.

Every single illustration is a narrative device, guiding the reader not just through words, but through visuals that evoke emotion and introspection.

‍

‍

Typography & Typesetting: A Departure from the Ordinary

We deliberately chose a playful yet readable font style, aligning with the book’s conversational yet profound tone. The typography had to feel fluid, personal, and engaging—a stark contrast to rigid, academic layouts.

• Headers use handwritten, expressive fonts, mirroring the organic, thought-provoking nature of the content.
• Body text is structured for maximum readability, ensuring that form never overpowers function.
• Strategic whitespace and pacing allow the reader to pause, reflect, and engage deeply—mimicking the practice of thoughtful inquiry that the book advocates.

The design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making the reading experience feel dynamic and intuitive.

‍

‍

Layouts That Invite Curiosity & Interaction

Books often dictate how information flows. But with The Most Interested Person, we wanted the layout to feel as engaging as a live conversation.

• Interactive margin notes and callouts subtly nudge the reader to pause and think.
• Sections are structured to break conventional reading patterns, creating an experience that feels fluid and explorative rather than linear.
• Certain key phrases and insights are highlighted through bold treatments, allowing readers to quickly absorb powerful takeaways.
• Dedicated sections for reader interaction—rather than expecting readers to find a separate notebook, we built in space within the book itself for jotting down thoughts, reflections, and answers to questions posed throughout the text.

These micro-interactions within the book’s design mirror the active engagement that curiosity requires.

‍

‍

A Bold Risk in the Publishing World

The publishing industry often follows a formula: straightforward layouts, traditional serif fonts, and minimal graphics. The Most Interested Person defied those norms.

This wasn’t just about challenging conventions for the sake of it—it was about creating a book that aligns form with function. If the book’s core message is about being deeply interested, engaged, and curious, then its design needed to embody those traits.

The risk paid off.

• Test readers responded overwhelmingly positively, describing the book as “a joy to flip through,” “visually engaging,” and “unlike any book I’ve read before.”
• The unique approach positioned The Most Interested Person not just as a book, but as an experience.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts: A Book That Looks, Feels, and Thinks Differently

In designing The Most Interested Person, we didn’t just lay out pages—we crafted a multi-dimensional experience.

• Illustrations act as metaphorical guides.
• Typography invites attention rather than demanding it.
• Layouts encourage exploration, reflection, and curiosity.
• Built-in interactive sections transform passive reading into active engagement.

The book is, in essence, a physical manifestation of its core message: to be truly interested is to see beyond the obvious, to explore deeper, and to engage fully.

‍

And that’s exactly what we aimed to create—a book that doesn’t just tell you about interest but makes you feel it.

🚀 Want a design that redefines how viewers engage? Let’s talk.

‍