Powered by Design: An Introduction to Problem Solving with Graphic Design

by Renee Stevens

A truly up to date and thoughtful approach to an introduction to graphic design.
The design industry has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Effective and successful designers no longer need to just "make things," they need to be curious thinkers who understand how to solve problems that have a true impact on the world we live in and how to show the power of designing for social good. Now more than ever, the graphic design industry needs a book that teaches the foundations and theories of design while simultaneously speaking to the topics of history, ethics, and accessibility in order to make designs that are the most effective for all people.
In  Powered by Design , educator, designer, and public speaker Renee Stevens brings a truly up to date and thoughtful approach to an introduction to graphic design. As Assistant Professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University, Stevens created this book to be at home equally in academia and outside of the school setting. With a conversational and approachable tone, Stevens' book is for anyone who wants to gain a more practical understanding of what graphic design is today, and the power and potential it from students to novice graphic designers to anyone who wants to build a solid foundation of design skills so that they can work more effectively with professional designers. Stevens covers topics such
* Choosing the right typeface * Hierarchy and visual weight * Creating design systems * Balancing tension * Visualizing data * Understanding color and mood * Defining a story structure * User testing and critique * Immersive design (designing for all the senses) * Determining when a design is finished * How to make a living with design Woven throughout is the crucial idea that you must embrace empathy in everything you design in order to create work that is the most inclusive. Design has the power and potential to make real impact in our everyday lives, and this book will show you how to do that starting with your first design experience.

Genres: Design, Creative

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2020

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As a designer, people come to you and ask for help solving a problem. You can’t help them if you don’t know why they need the problem solved."

I've been working in graphic design for the last 25 years or so (in one form or another), but I didn't come up through any traditional or schooled route so I occasionally like to read design overviews or classics to pad the gaps in my knowledge/experience. I stumbled upon this one on the sale cart at the library and was really impressed with how succinct and valuable a book this is. It largely focusses on bigger concepts and theories behind all design work, sprinkling in very practical advice about process and business practices. A very approachable and enjoyable read with a great balance between text and design examples. Probably best suited to new designers and/or those considering design as a profession.
------------------------
A humorous anecdote from the section on typography:
"[Caslon] held a reputation as being “the British typeface.” The irony of this association is that when the United States chose a typeface for the Declaration of Independence, declaring their independence from Britain, they set it in Caslon."

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a designer, so I assume that this book is for people like me, and those starting in the world of graphic design.

From my perspective, I would say that this is an excellent book.

Renee has an excellent premise: if appropriately used, good design can solve problems. Her approach is very systematic. There are specific topics that I found particularly useful. For instance, the whole topic on fonts has helped my clarify my approach to how I would like to present myself in the world of self-publishing.

I did mention that her approach is systematic. This approach is helpful for anyone who wants to go back and look up specific topics.

Overall, the book has given me a better appreciation of the world of design, and all that it encompasses.

I recommend this book to people in the creative field. I also recommend this to corporate executives who are engaged in branding, communication, or anyone who has to design a layout (even a warehouse map!)

Her chapter on how data can be presented visually is excellent. This is one chapter I will refer back to in the future.

[Giao Quynh · Rating 4 out of 5]

From an outsider perspective, this book is useful to get a basic understanding of design, as well as some fresh advice on what mindsets a designer should adopt in his work. However, this book presents knowledge and advice in a rather random manner, so anyone who is a newbie to the field should consult this book only alongside with other more organized learning agenda.

[Shannon Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent learning resource!

What an excellent learning resource, I highly recommend. I’m a student coming from a marketing to degree to a design degree and it’s been such a good read!

[Luiza Ahisheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was useful and very well delivered