Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design: Understanding Form and Function - Softcover

Bowers, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471292249 ISBN 13: 9780471292241

Publisher: Wiley, 1999

Synopsis

A comprehensive introduction to the principles, issues, and uses of two-dimensional design

In Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design, respected designer and educator John Bowers provides a solid foundation in timeless design principles that are immune to fads and trends. With the help of more than 160 revealing illustrations, he explores both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of 2D design, interweaving historical accounts with penetrating analyses of visual principles and issues found in important contemporary examples. He demonstrates how competing approaches to 2D design--including those based on intuition, play, chance, and empirical research--can be used successfully, either alone or in combination.

An excellent book for foundation design courses and a valuable working resource for artists and design professionals, Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design:
* Integrates applications from fine art, graphic design, architecture, interior design, and industrial design, as well as from nature and the vernacular landscape
* Covers the latest design technology, including video, Web design, and interactive media
* Features examples in context that provide the basis for methodical explanations of processes and outcomes

About this title

About the Author

JOHN BOWERS is an assistant professor of graphic design at Oregon State University. He has served on the board of the Graphic Design Education Association (GDEA) and several other national art and design organizations. He has lectured extensively on design theory and issues.

Review

This is a very nice primer on those issues of two-dimensional design usually addressed in freshman foundation courses. A slim volume, amply illustrated, it succinctly explains the major aspects of formAfter defining terms, the author, a professor of design at Oregon State University, [discusses] why one might want to analyze formhe goes on to describegestalt, semiotic and information theories and the methodology of problem-solving formal questions. In a particularly well-organized chapter, he identifies the components of form and meaning, showing by small illustrations of dots and circles, formal principles of interaction, figure/ground, depth/perspective, equilibrium/asymmetric balance and othersA color section deals with aspects of form and color theory. Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design would not only be a great text for students and teachers of art and design, but the concepts might also come in handy for professionals seeking to solidify their own the! ories and explain or justify design decisions to others. -- Communication Arts, January/February 2000

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0471292249
• ISBN 13: 9780471292241
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 128