5 stars (Thorough and engaging) - This book is used as a course text in many design classes across the country. I can see why. Not so much a history as it is a survey of the current state of graphic design, it's quite possibly the best treatment I've ever read on the subject in a single volume. The 3rd edition is significantly expanded in content and reformatted versus the 2nd, and the illustrative examples are abundant and well-chosen. Many of the examples are accompanied by remarks from the designers themselves, which helps shed light on the concepts and thought processes behind the work. The text strikes a good balance between commentary and pedagogy, and as a result the book works for both instructional reference and casual reading. The end of each chapter contains related exercises designed to prod your right brain into action. This book will help you discover -- or rediscover -- what's fun and exciting about graphic design. 3 stars (Good compilation but too many typographical errors) - This book would be wonderful if the editor had done a great job of fixing all the typographical errors. I lost concentration and kept correcting typing mistakes ...very unprofessional...makes you wonder who is teaching me...otherwise a good help 5 stars (Great resource for begining Designer) - I am a design student, and this was our textbook for one of my design foundation classes. The projects that we did in class (and are now in my portfolio) were modified versions of some of the exercises in this book. This book starts with the basics of 2D design and then builds on what you have learned. It is a great overview of other areas of design as well. This is a hands on book that allows you to learn by doing. If you are interested in graphic design go get this book! ... Thomson Delmar Learning :: Business & Economics & Careers :: Publishing :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: Graphic arts :: Graphic Arts - General :: Commercial art :: Careers - Gen :: Graphic Design Solutions
3 stars (good design support book) - i found the book to be a good support when approaching a design. it lays out a series of axioms which help the designer to look at various design stratagies at the initial design stages. 5 stars (With absolute certitude a future "classic" design book) - If you want to make some money, I recommend you buy a couple copies of this book now and put them away for 10 years. With absolute certitude the "Universal Patterns of Design" (UPOD) will be a future "classic" design book. There are very few books that fit this category, but this will be one. The author's have done an absolutely stunning job of condensing the patterns format in codifying 210 design principles which human beings need to relate to products and works of art. This book rivals ANY other design work I have ever read. Absolutely highest recommendation. 5 stars (Great Introduction to important themes) - This book is a great introduction to many themes relevant to all form of design. Many references are given for anyone wishing to further develop their understanding of the theme discussed. ... Rockport Publishers :: Graphic Arts - General :: Dictionaries :: Design - General :: Design :: Art & Art Instruction :: Art :: Jill Butler :: Kritina Holden :: William Lidwell :: :: Universal Principles of Design