OUGD404 DESIGN PRINCIPLES - STUDIO BRIEF 2 - WHAT IS A BOOK? BRIEFING

STUDIO BRIEF

Produce a set of 10 Double page layouts that explore the form, function and construction of a book.

Your ongoing visual investigation of content should demonstrate a growing understanding of the fundamental principles of type, grid, layout and format that will (and have) been introduced during studio sessions and workshops. Use these as a staring point to develop a set series or sequence of page layouts that effectively communicates your chosen content.

Your 10 layouts should include a contents page and introduction to the content.

This brief will be supported by talks and workshops.

CONSIDERATIONS

As designers it is your job to help the reader read the words by positioning text and images in such a way as to be appropriate for the content but also navigable by the human eye. This is true for any layout whether it’s for a glossy fashion spread, reportage or an instruction booklet. 

To be creative but effective with type it is essential that you have a clear grasp of the fundamental principles of type composition. It’s great to break the rules but learn them first, understand what you’re looking at and make informed design decisions.

Start by producing mini thumbnail compositions to your chosen layout on layout paper with blocked-in positions of type and image giving consideration to the possible underlying grid. Using markers, felt pens etc, greek-in to render your layout so it has the weight and impact of an actual print. You are aiming to simulate in miniature how it would appear if actually printed.

You should produce work through drawing and specifying layouts and making blog entries that demonstrates that you understand the following:

Grid 

Sub-heads 

DPS 

Rules & Boxes

Columns 

Paragraphs 

Drop caps 

Folio 

Numbers

Gutters 

Images 

Headlines 

Pagination

Margins 

Captions 

Measures 

Imposition

How do you best demonstrate all that? First check what the words mean and design a layout that includes much of, but not necessarily all of the above.

As a body of work you will have a de-constructed mark-up of an original layout, New thumbnail layout ideas, and a drawn, full scale dimensioned new layout.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

All practical development and investigation should be documented on your Design Practice blog and labeled OUGD404 plus the relevant task number.

Any research in to contextual references relating to sessions, tasks and briefs should be posted to your Studio Practice blog and labeled OUGD404 plus the relevant task number (where necessary).

DELIVERABLES

A set, series or sequence of 10 page layouts that effectively communicate your chosen content.

A body of development work produced in response to set tasks documented on appropriate blogs. This should include evidence of thumbnails, test pieces and trial layouts produced during the development of your final resolution.

evidence of independent investigation into Design principles of Type, Image, Layout, Composition and Colour as briefed.

DEADLINE: 22 APRIL 2015