Decoding Design
Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communication
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Understand the Significance of Symbols in Your Design Work Our world is comprised of a handful of very simple patterns that have been a part of human design since the beginning of time and have eternal significance. Decoding Design reveals how common symbols and shapes - like circles, squares and triangles - resonate at a gut level and can lend greater meaning to a design. By deconstructing famous logos and other sample designs, you'll learn how to communicate complex information quickly and intuitively with universal and meaningful patterns. You'll also uncover how other disciplines, such as philosophy, math, and physics, influence great design and can help you present ideas in a holistic and compelling manner. Whether you're a designer, student, or marketing professional, Decoding Design will show you the deeper meaning behind the symbols you encounter everyday, and how to better use those symbols to create an impactful relationship with the viewer.
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I think this quote from early on in the book explains it well,
“In the same way breathing is an unconscious action, patterns are so pervasive we don't notice most of them. Likewise we cannot exist without them and we use them subliminally and constantly.”
Symbology and semiotics are crucial in design - more importantly the ability to understand what we are trying to communicate and then clearly encode within the design - so that the users, customers and audience can easily understand and make the most of them.
I feel that a lot of ‘failed' design, is simply the designer's inability to perform this encoding properly.
I heard Maggie talking on DesignMatters and then set about tracking the book down (at a reasonable price - it's out of print).
After reading the book , I immediately thought, damn - I wish I had had this book 25 years ago. I then thought; this topic and this knowledge is obviously needed, why is Maggie the only one to have written about it.
Personally, I think this book should be required reading on EVERY design course - so, it's tragic that it's “out of print”. There is an eBook, but then you miss the great interactive cover.
