Design Thinking for Visual Communication

by Ambrose, Gavin

• ISBN13: 9781472572714
• ISBN10: 1472572718
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2015-04-23
• Publisher: Fairchild Books

Summary

How do you start a design project? How can you generate ideas and concepts in response to a design brief? How do other designers do it? This book will answer all these questions and more.

Now in its second edition, the highly popular Design Thinking for Visual Communication identifies methods and thought processes used by designers in order to start the process that eventually leads to a finished piece of work. Step-by-step guidance for each part of the process is highlighted by real-life case studies, enabling the student to see teaching in practice. This focus on ideas and methods eschews an abstract, academic approach in favour of a useable approach to design as a problem-solving activity.

The new edition now includes contributions from a broader international range of design practices and adds depth to existing case studies by looking in greater detail at some of the processes used.

Author Biography

Gavin Ambrose teaches at Brighton University, UK. He is a graphic designer, and author and designer of books on branding, packaging, and editorial design.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter one: Stages of Thinking
The design process; Stage one - Define; Stage two - Research; Stage three - Ideate; Stage four - Prototype; Stage five - Select; Stage six - Implement; Stage seven - Learn; Example project.

Chapter two: Research
Identifying drivers; Information gathering; Target groups; Samples and feedback.

Chapter three: Idea Generation
Basic design directions; Themes of thinking; Inspiration and references; Brainstorming; Value; Inclusion; Sketching; Presenting ideas.

Chapter four: Refinement
Thinking in images; Thinking in signs; Appropriation; Humour; Personification; Visual metaphors; Modification; Thinking in words; Words and language; Type 'faces'; Thinking in shapes; Thinking in proportions; Thinking in colour.

Chapter five: Prototyping
Developing designs; 'Types' of prototype; Vocabulary.

Chapter six: Implementation
Format; Materials; Finishing; Media; Scale; Series/Continuity

Glossary
Conclusion
Index