Visual Communication Design

A great reference text for all graphic design students. Effectively places many of the main theoretical principles that lie behind successful design outcomes. Clearly links theory to practice in a single accessible volume and a great reference source for either a practical or theoretical module. * Anthony Roocroft, University of Bolton, UK *

Meredith Davis is an award winning educator and designer. She teaches at North Carolina State University and is the author of Graphic Design in Context: Graphic Design Theory as well as of numerous articles. She is the former president of the American Center for Design and the Graphic Design Education Association and is part of the accreditation commission for NASAD (National Assn of Schools of Art & Design). Jamer Hunt teaches is Associate Professor of Transdisciplinary Design at Parsons New School of Design in NYC. He has served on the Board of Design and Culture and is on the Icograda Design Education Manifesto Steering Committee. He is the author of numerous articles.

Foreword CHAPTER 1 - The importance of form The relationship between form and context: Goodness of fit Form and meaning A little bit of history: Twentieth-century attitudes toward "good form" New practices: The changing context for contemporary design The shift in attention from artifact to experience How this book is organized CHAPTER 2 - Getting attention Introduction Contrast Figure-Ground Camouflage Color Size constancy Scale Proportion Proximity Focus Layering Symmetry/Asymmetry Closure Continuity Series and Sequences Pattern Rhythm and Pacing Motion Summary CHAPTER 3 - Orienting for use and interpretive behavior Introduction Affordances Channel Medium and Format Feedback