Unlock the Secret Weapon of Design: Unleash the Power of Storytelling with "Design is Storytelling"

"Borrowed Book from the Library"

Summary

In Design is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton, a renowned design writer and curator, argues that effective design is a powerful form of storytelling. She equips readers with the tools to use narrative techniques to create impactful graphics, products, services, and experiences.

Review

Have you ever looked at a website or product packaging and thought, "Wow, this tells a story!"? In her book, Design is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton makes a compelling case that this is exactly what good design does. This insightful guide unpacks the power of narrative in shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

What truly elevates this book is Lupton's engaging writing style. She infuses the text with humor, making even complex design concepts approachable and enjoyable. But the fun doesn't stop there. Lupton expertly complements her explanations with a wealth of visual examples. Each concept is paired with corresponding graphics, products, or advertisements, bringing the ideas to life in a way that's both informative and entertaining.

This focus on visual storytelling makes Design is Storytelling a perfect pick for anyone who learns best by seeing. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates good design, this book will transform the way you see the world. Suddenly, everything from a restaurant layout to a social media post becomes a potential narrative, waiting to be crafted.

Here are some of the key takeaways you can expect from Design is Storytelling:

  • The power of narrative arcs: Learn how to use structure and flow to guide users through a design experience.
  • Emotional storytelling: Discover how to evoke feelings and create connections with your audience through design choices.
  • The language of visuals: Understand how elements like color, typography, and imagery can shape a narrative.

By using humor, clear explanations, and a treasure trove of visual examples, Lupton makes Design is Storytelling not just an informative guide but a genuinely enjoyable read. It's a must-have for anyone who wants to unlock the power of storytelling in design.

About the Author:

Ellen Lupton is the author of numerous books on design, including Graphic Design: The New Basics (2008), Thinking with Type (2004, second edition 2010), Graphic Design Thinking (2011), Beautiful Users: Designing for People (2014) and Type on Screen (2014), How Posters Work (2015) and Beauty―Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial (2016). She is Senior Curator of Contemporary Design at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, and director of the Graphic Design MFA program at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) in Baltimore. She received the AIGA Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in 2007.

About the Book:

  • Publisher: ‎ Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; 1st edition (November 21, 2017)
  • Language: ‎ English
  • Digital Copy/ebook
  • ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1942303190

Popular posts from this blog

Decoded: Cracking the Code of Creative Writing

Image
Ah, creative writing. The land of fantastical creatures, captivating characters, and worlds that shimmer with possibility. But sometimes, that very openness can be paralyzing. Where do you even begin? Fear not, aspiring wordsmiths! Today, Decoded Books delves into the secrets of creative writing, helping you unlock your inner storyteller. 1. Unleash Your Inner Spark: Creativity thrives on curiosity. Read widely, across genres. Watch thought-provoking movies. Immerse yourself in art, music, and the world around you. Let these experiences spark ideas and ignite your imagination. 2. Characters: The Heart of the Story: Compelling characters are the lifeblood of your story. Give them depth! Craft their personalities, motivations, and flaws. Ask yourself: what makes them tick? What do they desire most? 3. Plot the Course (or Don't!): Some writers meticulously plot every twist and turn. Others prefer a more organic approach, letting the story unfold. Experiment! Find the method that fuels
Read more

Bonjour, Bookworms! Dive into French with these Enchanting Reads

Image
Learning a new language can be a magical adventure, and for young minds, it's an enriching experience that opens doors to new cultures and ways of thinking. If you're looking for fun and engaging ways to help your child (or yourself!) embark on a French-learning journey, look no further than the wonderful world of children's books! Here's a curated selection of French books that will spark your child's curiosity and make learning French a delight: For the Littlest Learners (Ages 3-6): "Peppa Pig" series: Everyone's favorite pink piglet joins the fun in French! Familiar stories with simple vocabulary and vibrant illustrations make this series a perfect introduction to basic French words and phrases. "Où est Charlie?" (French version of "Where's Waldo?"): Search for Charlie (or "Charlie" in French!) amidst colorful crowds and captivating scenes. This interactive book encourages observation skills and reinforces basic
Read more

Don't Be Literal: Mastering the Magic of Metaphors in Your Writing

Image
We all know metaphors. They're those figures of speech that compare two seemingly unlike things, often using "like" or "as" to bridge the gap. But metaphors are more than just a way to add a sprinkle of creativity to your writing. Used effectively, metaphors can elevate your prose, clarify complex concepts, and evoke powerful emotions in your reader. The key to mastering metaphors lies in understanding how they work on a grammatical level. Here's a breakdown of the different ways you can use metaphors in your writing: 1. The Simile: The Classic Comparison This is the most straightforward type of metaphor. It uses words like "like" or "as" to explicitly compare two things.  * Example: "Her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the moonlight." 2. The Implied Metaphor: A More Subtle Approach Here, the comparison is implied rather than explicitly stated. This creates a more subtle and evocative image. * Example: "He was a lion leading
Read more