Visual Language for Designers: Principles for Creating Graphics that People Understand

by Connie Malamed

Within every picture is a hidden language that conveys a message, whether it is intended or not. This language is based on the ways people perceive and process visual information. By understanding visual language as the interface between a graphic and a viewer, designers and illustrators can learn to inform with accuracy and power. In a time of unprecedented competition for audience attention and with an increasing demand for complex graphics, Visual Language for Designers explains how to achieve quick and effective communications. It presents ways to design for the strengths of our innate mental capacities and to compensate for our cognitive limitations.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be rather disappointing. It covered good principles, and the examples were useful to have, but the analysis of the examples was extremely weak. More detailed analysis that extended beyond the caption would have helped me understand why the author was using it as an example, especially on those examples that I didn't think supported the claim she was making.

Also, the book just ended. No conclusion. That was . . . odd.

This book also highlighted an issue that authors (especially those who are instructional designers and are writing about visual language and design) need to consider when converting books to electronic format—remove all the manual hyphens and actually proof the book in electronic format. The typography was a mess in this book.

[kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a big, glossy picture book that's fun to flip through. Each spread is about 80% image, 20% text. That 80% is worth 4-5 star rating for the variety and beauty.

That 20% text, though, is such a slog. When I opened to where I last left off, hoping to inspire myself to finally finish this book, my eyes rested on this encyclopedic fluff: "For those familiar with the arrow symbol, its recognition and meaning are automatic. Upon perceiving a visual cue like an arrow, the viewer rapidly evaluates its directional meaning." ....Um, NOPE. Back on the shelf.

I suppose it's worth keeping for the visuals, though as someone else pointed out, they're often print-based and don't always offer inspiration for the digital.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book to study if you're looking to display data in a creative way, such as for an annual report or museum exhibit. However, not nearly as useful in web world...

[Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great book. Those looking into graphic design will learn many design principles to help your designs stand out. Even if you are not into graphic design, this book will teach you principles that will help you in many different aspects of your life. It is a simple read. There are many visual examples with each principle.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review at https://stuff.graves.cl/posts/2025-08...

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick flip considering images took up the majority of each page. I really enjoyed the section on data displays (page 144) and visualization of information (page 150). Some of the written information was useful but I found the font size to be a bit small. Overall a good read, especially if you are in a visual field.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

how did I forget to update this...I finished months ago, just before it was due back at the library #panicreading
I didn't enjoy reading it as much as other books on graphic design. The copy I had was printed on huge pages, with comparatively tiny type, which made it quite difficult to read

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book for learning about how people understand graphics. Lots of varied examples, nicely designed and well-written.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This look at design principles was quite clear and interesting. I liked the use of multiple examples of each principle of design. It was easy for a novice to understand!