5 things to read and see
This week, check out a huge design change coming to Target, the future of artificial intelligence in design and a fun Clue-themed page design.
1. How Target is redesigning to take on Amazon
Target is adapting into an “on-demand” market in a super interesting way — by literally splitting their stores into two separate halves that cater to different kinds of people. While design of a physical space is very different from print or news design, it still revolves around the same ideas of how to appeal to users and encourage certain behaviors, and Target is taking drastic steps to make sure they’re not losing their appeal to anyone.
2. The graphic design work of Pablo Picasso
A few weeks ago, I found an article that explored the graphic design of W.E.B. Du Bois, and it turns out he’s not the only historical figure who dabbled in the craft. Picasso, aside from being an incredibly famous painter, designed the posters for his own exhibitions, along with book and magazine covers. They often feature his own illustrations and handwritten lettering that give them a very personal touch.
3. The unnecessary fragmentation of design jobs
An interesting article that breaks down the potential problems with siloing designers into different roles and not letting those roles overlap with others. Jonas Downey, a designer at Basecamp, argues that designers aren’t being real “designers” if they’re not spending time examining problems, creating their own solutions and then implementing their ideas, instead of breaking down each step for a different person to do. It makes me think about how some news organizations break up their designers into page layout, graphics, online interactive design, social media and more. How do you make sure your designers are both well-rounded, but also able to specialize?
4. Color in your team’s biggest difference maker
This is a great example of fun storytelling on the web, especially with its use of animated and interactive illustrations.
5. Will designers be replaced by robots?
A fascinating look into the advancement of artificial intelligence and when (not if) it will take over the world of design. It addresses the skeptics who think that AI could never be as creative as humans, and points to The Grid and Google’s remaking of Google Translate as examples of just how far AI can go.
Page Designs
- Years in the making | Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University
I love the layout of the photos, especially the use of a column of pictures to break up the two columns of text. It creates an eye-pleasing symmetry that makes the page clean and inviting. I just wish the bottom photo in the middle column didn’t completely cut off the legs of the diver because without any additional visual context, it just looks like he’s floating within the frame.
2. The ‘Belle’ of the box office | The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Quinnipiac University
The way the designer took a classic “Beauty and the Beast” photo and added a painted blue background and handwritten script text adds a unique spin to what could have otherwise been an obvious design. I also love the subtle touch of overlapping the Beast over the letter “A” in the “Arts & Life” page title, as it gives the page some great dimension.
3. Lindsay Koontz, unconventional artist | The Post, University of Ohio
The overall design of The Post’s special edition is excellent. The bright colors used for the headlines and the drop cap are both really eye-catching, and the design of this spread is clean and engaging. The composition of the portrait on the left is great, with the slight swoop in the bottom of the bag mimicking the top of Koontz’s head.
4. If the glove fits . . . | The Daily Orange, Syracuse University
The illustrations in this spread are adorable. It was smart to not just pull images straight off of the Clue game, and by making their own game board, the page becomes much more personal and inviting. I just wish there were a few more fun details added to the board to make it a little more similar to the actual game.
5. J’Den Cox conquers again | The Maneater, Missouri University
I love how clean this front page is, and how nicely it highlights their wrestler J’Den Cox. I think it would have been nice though if Cox’s head slightly overlapped the flag (similar to how the Beast overlapped the “Arts & Life” header in The Quinnipiac Chronicle mentioned above), which would have added a special touch to the page.
If you think you have a well-designed page or a good read to share for the next roundup, email me at shays2@elon.edu
Students, did you know you can join the Society for News Design for as little as $5 a month?
