5 things to read and see
This week, read about graphic design projects that could help save lives and what DACA meant to its recipients, and see a great cover illustration about the future of Title IX.
5 things to read
1. There’s An Entirely New Way Of Mapping The World, And It’s Brilliant
I saw a map that had units of time on it over the summer, and it’s a great way to understand how far you really are from a different location. This new mapping tool would help people choose where they want to go, rather than just get them from point A to point B.
2. Can graphic design save lives? Six brilliant projects from GD&’s new book
A new book has arrived about graphic design in healthcare and its impacts. This question has prompted people to think about how good design can persuade people to change their behavior for the better and keep us well-informed.
3. What ending DACA means for these ‘Dreamers’: ‘Everything I worked for will be lost’
This is a really unique way to display the personal stories of DACA recipients. The simple GIF at the top is a great entryway into the article, which uses only quotes and simple graphic design to keep the focus on the words of the ‘Dreamers.’
4. Stop Using Design Research As A Safety Net
This article argues that blaming design problems on the research isn’t a good excuse. Good design comes from being willing to follow your gut, take a risk and own up to failure if it happens.
5. A comfort zone is a beautiful place (but nothing ever grows there)
It’s important to take new risks and try new things. The deck of this article explains it beautifully:
“What is at the heart of creativity? In practical terms creativity means thinking what you haven’t thought before. Or another way to say that is stepping into the unknown.” — Elizabeth Lovius
5 things to see
- The future of Title IX | The Commonwealth Times, Virginia Commonwealth University
This illustration takes a complex topic and reduces it down to a simple, but dramatic, form. The long shadow creates a darkness that is appropriate for a story relating to sexual assault, but it also creates a sense that the “IX” is looking towards something else, towards the future.
2. Down the field for CMU | Central Michigan Life, Central Michigan University
This is a great photo with nice symmetry that creates the perfect start for the photo essay about CMU’s marching band. The headline’s placement at the bottom of the photo is really smart, and it’s so large that it immediately attracts attention.
3. Manoa poetry slam | Ka Leo, University of Hawaii at Manoa
This photo page is clean, and the pinwheel shape makes your eye bounce around. Using the photos this way keeps the page from being too repetitive and boring, while still focusing on the performers’ emotions.
4. Play 13 | Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University
Leading the page with a large, strong and bold photo immediately catches your attention, especially with the bright colors. Using the white space on the side emphasizes the importance of the article, and the two photos in the center reference other parts of the story.
5. Hoppin’ harvest | The Daily Orange, Syracuse University
This photo spread is great because it has the clear focal point of a large truck with the name of the company on it — which immediately makes it clear what this article is about. The other photos are nice snapshots of produce, but what makes the spread is the photo of beautifully stocked shelves with an equally beautiful dog.
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?
