Customer Reviews

Visual Language , the Hidden Medium of Communication (Design Fundamentals)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides an in-depth illustration of the principles of visual language. A must read for anyone in the design field or corporate communications, in order to understand how to acheive a seamless identity across all mediums. Very well written, great for those who have never worked with designers to explain why so much time is spent determining the visual language (mood boards, tone of voice, etc.) before concepting is begun. Also good for designers who must articulate their process and build the argument supporting their concepts.

I ordered this book by mail at a reduced price. When it arrived, I thought it was an overblown production: i.e. full color bleed spreads in 1 background color with perhaps 27 words on them; serrated tear out sheets of stuff similar to what you might tear out of magazines and catalogs. However, since I bought it, I read it. The author has developed a method of getting at what a company wants or needs in graphic design for corporate materials. I think it would suitable as a workbook for a one-day or weekend seminar in design.

A very impressive and well written book discussing what all designers should strive to achieve. This book would be more than appropriate for individuals beginning their designing education or career. Do not be fooled by the glossy pages, bold type, and interesting imagery, this book provides a well rounded approach to teaching visual communication.

I was looking for a book with advice on how to display information visually. Anything at all would be helpful. How to make it look more attractive. How to organize complex information using graphic design. How to use color and layout to achieve meaning.

This book appears to have no instructional information. But, honestly, it's hard to tell. Each page is full-color with text that reads more like the author's stream of consciousness about what makes good design.

For instance, he shows four identical photographs, but framed differently (inside a circle, inside a square, etc) and invites the reader to ask themselves which vacation appeals to them. Which one looks more fun. Etc. But there's no takeaway; the author says "there is no right answer. Don't try to analyze, just react emotionally." Okay, fine. But why am I doing this exercise? The author doesn't linger, but moves onto his next stream of consciousness activity - the same pictures, but with a colored background. Again, the takeway is "don't try to rationalize. Just pay attention to your emotional reaction."

I flipped through page after page, waiting for anything the author had to say or show to resonate with me as useful or insightful. Anything at all.

I finished the book in about an hour. And when I was done, I had no idea what I'd read or how to apply it. I've read a lot of books on visual language and design. This was the least useful.