How to Understand and Use Design and Layout

by Alan Swann

The new edition is basically a complete overhaul of the original, very popular edition. The design process is explored in incremental stages, taking one elemental at a time. Each section offers advice on methods and uses of self-assessment. Book is made up of 3 sections each with topics illustrated with 9-12 specifically- commissioned mini designs to show options, set exercises for reader and then self- critique and professional examples from around the world. Sections Basic design principles (60 pps) teaches ground rules of balance and harmony in design including basic design, typefaces, color Design decisions (36 pps) looks at areas of design and how each may be analyzed including initial brief & decisions, analysis of copy, analysis of imagery, analysis of results Design projects and categories (38 pps) showing how the principles have been applied including information design, text & display type, primarily display type This edition contains updated examples from international designers and design agencies and newly worked examples and projects to meet the needs of a younger generation designing in the new millennium. One added area of particular interest is the Internet, with examples and a project on home page and links design. The book is four-color throughout and has a completely new and modern design that focuses on style, clarity and ease of learning. Exercises have been devised to enable the reader to practice as they learn. Revised by David Dabner with Alan Swann's name still attached as primary author.

Genres: Reference, Design

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was passed on to me when I started my first professional job 15 years ago, and it was already two decades old at that point. The thing about good design, though, is that it doesn't change even if tastes do. Sure, the typefaces and colors are straight from the 80s, but the principles of how to construct an attractive and eye-catching advertisement, book cover, center spread, and more are foundational to any designer.

As goofy as it looks in the 21st century, How To Understand And Use Design And Layout is an essential reference work for any desktop publisher's bookshelf -- and one I return to time and again.

[Brett]

Non-fiction,Art,Graphic Design

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for understanding basic principles or a design project.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought for a previous job.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a resource for its time.

[Donna Tracy]

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