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Visual Research
An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design
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Visual Research
An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design
- Textbook
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Description
Packed with more than 200 colour illustrations, Visual Research explores a range of research methods that can be used by graphic designers and visual communicators in the development of clear and purposeful design solutions. The book introduces key terms and theories that underlie design research; examining the importance of visual grammar and design literacy, audience, communication theory and semiotics.
Each chapter features case studies that demonstrate how the use of research methods can form the basis of effective visual communication and design problem solving, eschewing end product analysis for a discussion of the way research feeds into the design process.
The third edition features new case studies in each chapter, updated design exercises and a new chapter on design-led tools and information design methods, in relation to both print and on-screen design.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
1. Why and How?
Research Methodologies
Terms of Reference
A Manifesto for Higher Learning in Design
Key Concepts: Critical Thinking and Critical Reflection
Case Study 01: A Transferable Research Method
2. Design Literacy
Visual Literacy in Design Practice
Invisible Systems
Reading a Text
Key Concepts: The Designer as Author
Case Study 02: Visual Grammar
Exercises: Design Literacy
3. Analysis and Proposition
Research and Design
Defining the Project
Safety in Numbers
Key Concepts: Connotation and Denotation
Case Study 03: Graphic Design and Non Linear Research Methods
Exercises: Design Analysis
4. Visual Research Analytical Tools
Looking Closer
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Make More Mistakes
Key Concepts: Rhetoric
Case Study 04: Emotionally Vague
Key Concepts: Structuralism and Semiotics
Exercises: Design Analysis
5. Theory in Practice
Engaging with Visual Research
Design and Politics
Key Concepts: Modernism and Postmodernism
Case Study 05: Biography – The Third Truth
Case Study 06: Between the Lines
Key Concepts: Post-structuralism
Exercises: The Practice of Theory
6. Audience and Message
Receiving End
Audience-centred Graphic Design
Case Study 07: Mapping Meaning
Case Study 08: Tirez Magazine
Key Concepts: Fitness Landscapes
Exercises: Are You Receiving Me?
7. Process and Materials
Practical Considerations
Form Follows Technology
Case Study 09: Public Relations
Case Study 10: Censorship
Key Concepts: Affordance
Exercises: Text Messages
8. Synthesis
The Process of Synthesis
Visualizing Research as Subject
Case Study 11: Hauntology
Case Study 12: Type and Language
Key Concepts: Rubbish Theory
Exercises: Practical Methods
9. Appendices
Acknowledgements
Further Reading
Index
Picture Credits
Product details
Published | 11 Feb 2016 |
---|---|
Format | Ebook (PDF) |
Edition | 3rd |
Extent | 224 |
ISBN | 9781474232913 |
Imprint | Bloomsbury Visual Arts |
Illustrations | 200 colour illus |
Series | Required Reading Range |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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Noble and Bestley have produced an amazing book: broad in scope, thorough in its explorations of the many dimensions of visual research, well organized and clear in its exposition, it is the best reference for anybody wanting to get a clear panorama of what visual research can mean.
Jorge Frascara, author and educator, USA
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This book demystifies a variety of complex graphic design methodologies, making them understandable and compelling. An invaluable companion for any graduate level graphic design student, or instructor, it offers in-depth intelligent models, examples, background reading and explanations of strategies and approaches for employing visual research in the process of making graphic design. Definitive proof that graphic design is not dumb!
Michael Worthington, California Institute of the Arts, USA. Author of Two Lines Align
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Research through, for, by, on and with design. In an age where design seems to be too important to be left only to designers, such a contemporary, deep, vivid and accessible speculation on visual research is like honey to bears.
Omar Vulpinari, Director of Expanded Media Fabrica, Vice President Icograda
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This book is an excellent and comprehensive resource for understanding the power of design research and methodologies. The text clearly frames the creative process in the context of relevant theoretical discourse; case studies challenge readers to reconceive of design making, and exercises provide connection between ideas and practice.
Aaris Sherin, St. John's University, New York, USA
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Visual Research is a stimulating introduction to the theories, processes, systems and artefacts that comprise our symbolic and material landscapes. Both explanatory and celebratory, Visual Research offers its readers definitions, examples, sources and suggested assignments to inspire alternative paths to a critically reflective and socially engaged practice. This second edition furthers and improves upon the work of the first edition, a book that I have used as a text for fourth-year graphic design students at the University of Minnesota, USA. It's also appropriate for students pursuing studio-oriented graduate degrees; their own visual experiments will have fresh benchmarks in the conceptual designs included in Visual Research.
Steven McCarthy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St Paul, USA
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Visual Research is an indispensable sourcebook with a focus on creative applications for design theory. It's hugely useful for students looking to extend their practical work and really inspirational.
Jonathan Hitchen, Manchester School of Art, UK