The Elements of Graphic Design: Space, Unity, Page Architecture, and Type

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful - An Instant Classic!
Review: A fantastic overview of the principles of layout and how to understand space and "the page", with special concern for the issue of functional white space and learning how to activate it, sculpt it, and not waste it. In a milieu of visual clutter, this gift to the design world (if its message is taken to heart) will help restore order and readability in the communications that surround us.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful - An Instant Classic!
Review: A fantastic overview of the principles of layout and how to understand space and "the page", with special concern for the issue of functional white space and learning how to activate it, sculpt it, and not waste it. In a milieu of visual clutter, this gift to the design world (if its message is taken to heart) will help restore order and readability in the communications that surround us.

Rating:
Summary: A solid primer for graphic design students
Review: Alex White has hit a home run with his book The Elements of Graphic Design. This definitive introduction to the basics of what makes a succesful visual composition should be in every design classroom and student backpack. The writing is clear and the principals easy to understand and apply. I especially liked the examples and advice on the use of "negative space" and typography. Although the book is geared toward the beginning designer, there are enough advanced concepts and examples to make this a worthwhile reference for designers at all levels. A fine addition to design literature.

Rating:
Summary: Reasonably comprehensive explanation of basic principles.
Review: An in depth view that stops short of being a hardcore text book though I would not hesitate to use it as an introductory text for a college class. This makes it an enjoyable, non-threatening, yet extensive, read that lists many design principles for mainly print type publications. The design principles are taught such that they can be more broadly applied to other disciplines by a creative thinker. Contents include the concepts of: Space, Unity, Page Architecture, and Type. A good first read on the subject and gives much more useful information and advice than many of the self glorifying self indulgent publications that other designers put out. The book does not list many specifics for different types of publications, it does give an in depth description of the guiding theories of design for print. the chapters on the use of space are more complete than others I've read. Highly recommended

Rating:
Summary: A Strategic Communication Tool!
Review: If you have an intuitive sense of what makes a design good or bad and yet have difficulty conveying that understanding in terms that others can readily grasp, this book is for you.

The Elements of Graphic Design is a great resource not only for qualifying intentional design, but it will also help a designer effectively communicate the necessity of well-thought-out design to the stakeholders of a project. I think most creatives have, at some point, had to justify the design process to people who think of design simply as pretty pictures rather than a strategic marketing platform. While every designer has-or should have-intuitive understanding of the concepts White discusses in this book, his approach gives a very logical framework to follow in explaining why good design processes and planning are necessary. The Elements of Graphic Design is very clear, succinct and densely packed with the most relevant and fundamental aspects of design, which makes this book an excellent resource.

White discusses the concept of negative space (for those of us with formal art training, or simply white space for those with graphics training), the imperative function of truly "seeing" the elements of design and arrangement, and the difference between style and fashion. He also outlines the basics of Purism, simplicity and elegance in design and the communication strategies behind achieving these states of implicit, visual meaning (ie: communicating much in the little). He also delves, briefly, into the way the human brain processes visual information and why certain elements of planned design are effective. In relation, he discusses wayfinding, a concept dealing with how people maneuver through information on a page via visual pathways. Again, a concept as intuitive to an artist as the spring breeding of a hare, but White presents the material in a way that can help designers or artistic directors bridge the gap between the strategic marketing plan and the platform. It will also help you objectively and diplomatically deliver the unfortunate but necessary negation of the ugly, confusing, counterproductive but well-meaning ideas that plague the "idea factories" of many organizations.

Rating:
Summary: A GOOD SOLID BOOK FOR DESIGNERS
Review: Very solid book (but short) packed with examples of why one strategy or tactic might be better than another. I learned a lot and intend to reread the book to make sure I get as much of it absorbed as I can. Very good discussions on type with discussions on line spacing, type size, small caps, grids, symmetry vs. asymmetry, negative and positive space.

Wish I would have read this book before I went to design school. I would have learned a lot more. I also would have been able to speak more intelligently. I learned a lot of terminology that will help me. I'm a better designer now. It's given me more confidence.

Highly recommended for beginners and intermediates. Might be a little thin for experts.