2 comments about Basics Design: Print and Finish (Basics Design).

1. Wonderful book that not only describes various print and finish techniques but uses itself as an example. From paper to ink - the book is bound with of no less than a half dozen stock types to demonstrate various techniques and stock/ink combinations, and demonstrates the printer spreads used for various sections. Even the cover uses a brilliant blend of die cuts and varnish prints to demonstrate the extent of the techniques described within.
   
   Substrates, printing, finishing, production, binding and resolve... I certainly regret that this book wasn't required reading when I was getting my Graphic Design degree in college.
   
   There are plenty of photographs of more advanced finishing methods, a doubtless source for inspiration. All full color, often with more than just 4 standard colors (as examples of printing with aqueous and metallic inks).
   
   This was the first (and currently the only) book of the series that I purchased, and glancing through the others I do see some repeated information. However, as a stand-alone book, priceless. Definetly a good complement to the required reading in any Printing & Prepress / Design & Production course.



2. This is the fifth of a series of five books covering almost every aspect of producing a printed image. As the last in the series it is on the final step in the process, that of actually producing the document following: Format, Layout, Typography, Image, and Color.
   
   This book covers the printing process from the standpoint of what you are trying to produce. What does metal printing offer to the printed image that offset does not? And what effect does putting a varnish over the surface create. And what is the effect of folding, die cutting, or various types of binding.
   
   Printing is really a designing project, no less than product design, packaging design (which usually involved printing anyway), or advertising. The authors are expert designers who have further collected a lot of examples of designs from other people and then show a large number and a wide variety of examples of fine work using these techniques.

2 comments about Fabric Reference (4th Edition).

1. My spouse is an avid quilt enthusiast that has for some time wanted to delve more into fabrics, their manufacture and individual characteristics. My gift to her of this standard reference work gives her the long awaited opportunity to really understand the materials before she designs a new quilt. She can now also select new and different fabrics for their inherent characteristics rather than only select "off the shelf" fabrics usually found at most fabric shops.



2. The Fabric Reference, along with the Fabric Glossary provides the best comprehensive reference of basic textiles that you can obtain anywhere in today's market. To make it a perfect reference set, you can purchase the Fabric Glossary Swatch Set directly from Ms. Humphries, which provides fabric samples to be taped into the Fabric Glossary while giving the history, manufacturing (weave, knit, lace, etc.) description and fabric content for each swatch allowing for a realistic study of fabrics. This Fabric Glossary can be continually added to as you find new fibers and fabrics - keeping an updated reference at your finger tips.
   These boks are a must for fabric designers, interior designers, pattern drafters and anyone interested in fabrics or textiles, this is a three part set, which when purchased becomes all inclusive. It is rare to find any books on textiles where you can actually touch the fabrics, providing a realistic knowledge of specific make-up and texture of the fabrics. I searched for years to find a book which I could use to give a compressive overview of the textile industry, before I found Ms. Humphries set of books, and I have been using it for the past three years as the foundation of my college course. Please note that in the fall of 2003, the third revision came out and it provides a wealth of information about the new micro-fibers that are found in today's market.
   This three part set (2 parts you can purchase from this company and the swatch set you need to purchase separately - information to do this, is in each book) is the best reference of textiles available.

No comments about Design Companion for the Digital Artist (Against the Clock Companion Series).

2 comments about Exploring Publication Design (Design Exploration Series).

1. a really good, general design book that's easy to understand and makes perfect sense. gives great ideas and explains how to accomplish good designs.



2. I am a beginnner in the realm of publications design and I was looking for a good introduction to the field. This book offers just that. It serves as a great guide for things that you will need to study in more depth if you want to function in this realm of design. The writing is very reader-friendly. It is not too wordy or "text bookish". Here is a break down of the chapters you will find in this book:
   
   1.) Publication Desing Within an Historical Context - Exactly what it says: The history and development of graphic design as a discipline.
   
   2.) The Principles and Elements of Publication Design - Basic design principles as applied specifically to publications.
   
   3.) Using Color Effectively - Color is a lot more complex than one might think, and managing its use is an important part of visual communication.
   
   4.) Understanding Type - Typography (big shocker).
   
   5.) Page Layout - One of the most valuable chapter (IMO). Discusses grid systems and properly organizing pages.
   
   6.) Imagery - Different types of imagery, possibly sources, using it effectively etc.
   
   7.) Publication in the Third Dimension - Another of my favorite chapters. Introduces you to printing concerns such as paper weights and binding techniques.
   
   8.) Design Principles at Work - Case studies of specific publication types (magazines, newspapers, newsletters, catalogs etc.).
   
   9.) Professional Opportunities in Pubcliations Design - Awesome chapter detailing the different areas one can find work in (yes, there are quite a lot).
   
   Overall this is a great introduction. However potential buyers should note this. These subjects definitely require further reading and study, but this book is a great starting point.
   
   My only real complaint with this book is in regards to another book in the Design Exploration series that Poppy Evans co-authored: "Exploring the Elements of Design". This book can be a bit repetitive if you already own EoD. Some chapters may as well have been copy and pasted between the two books. That's how similar they are (ESPECIALLY the imagery chapter). Quite a few of the diagrams are copied directly from "Elements" which did annoy me quite a bit. Despite this, the chapters not appearing in "Elements" make this book more than worth the money as far as I'm concerned.
   
   One other complaint is proof-reading. This book could have used a better dose of it. There are not that many mistakes, and I may just be nitpicking, but there were a few points where I said to myself "How did they not catch that?" For instance, in a diagram discussing gridlines, the caption references the gridlines that are supposed to be "indicated in red". Ok, this is good, except for the fact that the grid lines are actually blue. This is such a small mistake, I know, but I would think that the publishers would be more concerned about spotting inconsistencies like this.
   
   Overall though, this is a great buy. I really enjoyed it. If you are still not sure about the purchase, you can always visit www.delmarlearning.com. I went to the website out of curiosity and discovered that they have a few sample chapters posted online in PDF format for most of their books. A big help!

1 comments about Materials, Process, Print: Creative Ideas for Graphic Design.

1. Materials Process and Print provides a great library of resources for any designer to draw from. Not only do they give an in depth description of the processes available, but they show examples of those processes in use. I've referenced it for a number of projects already and have gotten great results.

2 comments about A Type Primer.

1. I found this book to be an excellent, well organized, and easy to use tool in learning the history, classification, and organization of type. It is a great text for anyone starting out in the design field as well as for the experienced designer. I never knew exactly how much care and detail went into properly setting type until I got into this book. Mr. Kane has included excellent visual examples and some extremely useful exercises to help illustrate each subject covered in the text. The book flows very well and is a pleasurable read, and there is always something new for your eyes to take in on the next page.

   I had the pleasure of taking two classes taught by Mr. Kane, and he definately knows typography backwards and forwards. He, as well as his book, is a wealth of knowledge for the aspiring designer.




2. A great book that introduces to the beginner many of the sensitivities that one ought to have when working with type.

   It gives many great practical examples and exercises that makes one appreciate type on many levels.

   As one who is taking a class in Typography, this is a great book to have by one's side.

5 comments about Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Design and Refine User Interfaces (Interactive Technologies).

1. This book is a good introduction to the techniques used with paper prototyping. It also provides a good introduction to usability and some practical guidelines on how to improve usability of a software product.
   
   If you are thinking on how to improve usability or conducting some usability testing within your company for the first time, this is a great book. If you already have experience in usability testing and paper prototyping, this book will bee too basic.
   
   The book provides a lot of information that would be useful to sell usability activities within your organization and a lot of simple and short chapters that you could have some other colleagues read to get them introduced to these concepts.
   
   Overall, the book is well written and practical. Although the book is on paper prototype, there are many concepts around usability that are explained in simple terms.



2. I thought this book covered it all... from selling the concept of paper prototyping to facilitating an actual session. Carolyn discusses, with great detail, how to bring paper to life. She shares a wealth of knowledge and experience.
   
   Even if you're not doing user testing on paper prototypes, you'll find her chapter on creating tasks for user tests invaluable, no matter what medium you're using.



3. 3 Stars == Neutrality

   If you are looking for a book on conducting quick usability testing with potential users without touching a computer, this book is for you.

   If you are looking for special techniques that you think you're missing when it comes to modelling on paper, then look elsewhere. You would do just as well to read the remainer of this review.

   A summary: Draw a complete interface, including buttons, menus, and other interface elements on a bunch of sheets of paper -- one piece for every window, dialog, or behavior. Don't use a ruler. Hold the pieces of paper in front of a potential user. Have them attempt to perform tasks relevant to your system without how-to assistance. After a few users, you'll have a good idea of what's utterly unusable.




4. My experience has been that to create a prototype is to create a working model to allow users to test functions and features. Because so much time and effort goes into creating the protototype, time constraints prevent refining the design, and the product is rushed to market-design issues are fixed in the next release. There's a solution that's low-cost, quick, and effective in finding design issues-paper prototyping. If you want to learn about paper prototyping from a renown practioner then I highly recommend Paper Prototyping by Carolyn Snyder.
   Snyder advocates paper prototyping because it's easy to design (requires minimal drawing skills), cheap to create (needs only paper and markers), and offers and opportunity for developers and users to evalute design concepts. If you wonder where the beginning of the design process starts, it begins when great minds meet and brainstorm ideas, and drawing is a natural approach to illustrate them.
   Paper Prototyping consists of four parts:

   1. "Introduction to Paper Prototyping" has case studies for a variety of products (e.g. Web applications, e-commerce Web sites, small screen displays, and touch screen interfaces), lists benefits for users and product team, and the materials to create a paper prototype.
   I learned the how to plan and design a prototype. Understanding how to conceptualise ideas is a critical skill. Fortunately, Snyder included examples that proved helpful because they are real and relevant.

   2. "Conducting a Usability Study with a Paper Prototype" describes how to plan a usability study, how to choose tasks, how to create a paper prototype, how to prepare for usability testing by doing walkthroughs, how to facilitate a usability test, the do's and don'ts of usability testing with a paper prototype, observer protocols, and what to do with the results of testing.
   If you are not a usability specialist, you may be doing some of these tasks for the first time. If you have a process for conducting a usability study, this chapter will help you identify the activities that are different from what you typically do. Conducting a usability test with a paper prototype is unique, because the goal is to verify ideas and correct the prototype to validate improvements. An additional bonus is the ability to evaluate the types of tasks the product would be able to perform.
   A paper prototype does not rely databases, networks, servers, or any form of technology, eliminates most of the things that can go wrong. It's portable-if the users cannot come to you-you can take it to the users. You don't need a sophisticated lab to conduct usability tests or big budget to get good feedback.

   3. "Deciding Whether to Use Paper" covers the advantages and disadvantages of paper prototyping, the dimensions of a prototype, and the politics.
   Synder describes how paper is not suitable to evaluate interaction issues:
   * It will not show subtle screen changes that are typically shown at the bottom of the screen.
   * It will not allow scrolling, a variety of menu effects, and cascading menus.
   * Download time and other response time.
   Obviously, paper is not the medium to evaluate interaction, but it is ideal to evaluate the following "look" issues:
   * Design concepts and terminology
   * Navigation
   * Work flow
   * Task flow
   * Content
   * Documentation and online help
   * If the design satisfies user requirements and functionality
   * Screen layout
   * Branding

   Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of paper prototyping is essential to managing the expectations of proponents and opponents. Snyder describes how to respond to concerns of skeptics that using paper is a valid and professional technique.

   4. "Broadening the Focus" consists of case studies that Snyder collected from usability specialists of The MathWorks, IBM, and Dictaphone. The case studies reveal how paper prototyping is one of several techniques to conduct task analysis and evaluate product design.
   I learned a use for index cards; they are useful for smaller prototype pieces: dialog boxes, pop-up messages, drop-down menus, etc. Snyder describes how a team at The MathWorks created a method for capturing and managing information about screen design. During prototyping and design sessions, team decisions about how the prototype would behave were recorded on index cards. The index cards were also used to track problems to be solved. Some members of the team used the cards to create a test plan. The technical writer used the index cards to create a first draft of the tool's documentation.

   What I like best about Paper Prototyping is that cach topic is supported by case studies and testimonials. Illustrations and photographs of exhibits enhance thorough descriptions of concepts and instruction. I wondered how Snyder could cover product design with profound insight, and then I read her credentials: software engineer, project manager, student, teacher, and consultant-she is an astute observer of all facets of product design.
   Paper Prototyping is particularly useful for people testing print documentation. The techniques of testing paper prototypes apply to any situation in which the test facilitator sits in the room with the participant. "Introduction to Usability Test Facilitatation" is one of the best discussions of the advantages of working in the room with the participant, and the human and logistical issues that might arise.

   Yes. I am convinced that paper prototyping is the fast and easy way to design and refine user interfaces and you will too. If you buy the book and have questions that you would like to ask the author, you will be happy to know that Carolyn Snyder will be appear at annual STC conference in Baltimore (May 2004). You can also visit her Web site at www.synderconsulting.net for more information.




5. This is the professional's dream of a book: easy to read, accurate, full of good ideas.

   The first part of the book describes putting together a paper prototype and has suggestions about making a prototype that is 'interactive' with buttons that change and so on. Mostly, it's encouragement to try it and to not be worried by drawing that's less than perfect.

   The majority of the book is about running a usability test. Although slanted towards testing paper prototypes, this is valuable for anyone (experienced or not) who wants to improve their usability testing or to do a test for the first time. I've been testing for years now and found much in it that was helpful. It's also my 'get you started' recommendation for complete beginners.

   Highly recommended.

5 comments about Teaching Graphic Design: Course Offerings and Class Projects from the Leading Graduate and Undergraduate Programs.

1. Teaching Graphic Design offers a comprehensive array of topics and teaching tips for all levels. It includes an overview, course requirements, suggestion for projects and selected readings, enabling teachers to choose inspiring topics and materials to structure your class intelligently.



2. I teach 100 & 200 level college classes, so not all of these projects are applicable. The book is just okay, but I think that depends on the level of your students and what sort of projects you are looking for. If I were to only buy one book for helpful suggestions and assignments, this ISN'T the one. I strongly recommend "Graphic Design School" by David Dabner or "The News Graphic Design School" by Alan Swann. At least those have better color pictures, afterall this is a very visual topic by nature!



3. Although many lessons are given, not many examples are shown. It assumes that one knows a lot about teaching the subject and has had similar lessons in the past. Good for experienced teachers, not so good for those new to the subject. I would recommend Resnick's "Design for Communication" instead.



4. I've read through this book a number of times and picked up some interesting ideas for the classroom, but nothing that blows me away. Many of the exercises are rehashes of ones I read earlier in the book and that was a bit disappointing. I plan on reading through a number of these lesson plans again, but trust me its not very exciting.



5. Even on my poor english this book is very helpfull and the author is one of the best designers i ever heard about.

3 comments about Digital Storytelling, Second Edition: A creator's guide to interactive entertainment.

1. I'd recommend Digital Storytelling to anyone interested in a new medium for their message--it's both accessible and practical.
   
   With an MBA in marketing, I was most interested in the use of digital storytelling for promotion, advertising, and branding. I am a board member of an opera company; like many arts organizations, we are trying to entice a younger audience.
   
   For the opera company, putting our young singers online is a very accessible way to lure a younger audience already familiar with Facebook. I would like to set up a MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game), a type of game I learned about in the book. In MMOGs, people take on the appearance and persona of make-believe characters and interact with each other. In one for the opera company they could portray the drama and events of opera. Who wouldn't want to be the Duke of Mantua or Don Giovanni! An ARG (Alternative Reality Game) would be terrific, too. As explained in the Digital Storytelling, ARGs tie together several forms of media to tell a story, and intimately involve players in the narrative, where they help solve a mystery or prevent a crime.
   
   Digital Storytelling also speaks to the challenges of a Rice University chamber music presenting organization of which I am a member. While the performances attract students, this audience will not have longevity that young subscribers will. Ergo we must reach these potential members through media with which they are familiar, like the Internet.
   
   I loved the section of the book about the kiosk as an avatar. While it is terrific for hospitalized kids, it would also be a great way to communicate with shut-in geriatrics. The kiosks could incorporate pets, family, connected adults, games, physical exercises, etc. The possibilities are without limits.
   
   I feel that Digital Storytelling provides a detailed, articulate guide for those interested in using a new methodology to convey their message; it is a fine tool.
   
   
   Barbara Kauffman, M.A., M.B.A.
   



2. I read the first edition of Digital Storytelling cover-to-cover and continue to use it as a reference book. When I picked up the second edition of this valuable resource, I knew I was in both heaven and in trouble. Here would be brand new jewels of information I could use in all my storytelling (that's the heaven part) and I would be compelled by my own curiousity and desire to stay abreast of the developing multi-media industry to read this new edition cover-to-cover (the trouble part is that once I picked it up I'd be ignoring other projects in order to absorb all the great insight and information Carolyn offers).
   
   Sure enough.
   
   Digital Storytelling has far surpassed the typical pattern of a second edition, which offers 20% new material. Miller's second edition offers 80% new material! If you want to keep up, or even have a glimmer of what's up on the frontiers of storytelling, you've got to read Digital Storytelling.
   
   For those who pooh-pooh new media as shallow and unintelligent, read what Miller has to say about the history and provenance of the art form - including James Joyce.
   
   For those who're only interested in the action and the creation of same, entire sections of the book are devoted to how-to's, with "Idea-Generating Exercises" in each.
   
   For those whose interest lies in the business aspects of new technologies, Carolyn explores that as well.
   
   To practice what she preaches about interconnectivity and multiple media sources, the book also offers additional materials and links on a couple of different websites.
   
   All-in-all, Digital Storytelling is a comprehensive analysis of and approach to the creative and commercial aspects of new media that reflects the rich storytelling tendencies that make us human - and that makes stories so compelling.
   
   Buy it, read it, and refer to it whenever you're working on anything digital.



3. Carolyn Miller is extremely bright and highly accomplished in her field; what she had to say about digital storytelling is worth listening to. The editorial reviews accurately reflect the great usefulness of this singular resource. I think you'll agree that it's "worth the price of admission."

5 comments about Tres Logos.

1. I'm happy with this purchase. This book gave me lots of ideas and I was inspired by most of the logos in here. Definitely worth it!



2. i've looked through a lot of books of logos and this one has to be one of the best one i've seen. it has a great collection of nicely designed logos. i wish though that besides the the agency (artist) that designed the logo there would be the name of the company the logo was for. anyways, that's just my one complaint.



3. AWESOME...if your a graphic designer you will want this book..it will keep you up to date with trends as well as styles ....DOS LOGOS is good too....



4. this is the first book by the group that I've seen, and it's amazing. It's well organized, and has amazing logos in it. A great inspirational material.



5. Excellent book. Sat down with this one for a while and took a good look at all the logos.
   Being a designer myself this book is very inspirational, and showcases so many great designers. This book sure is the encyclopaedia of logos and is a must buy if you are a designer especially in the field of corporate ID