What is good design (in books)?
Year level - Middle school VCD students
Targeting middle school design students and incorporating the language of the 2024-2028 VCD study design, this resource includes a recorded presentation with Mary Callahan and a series of tasks for students to complete.
Description of the resource -
Inspired by Dieter Rams’ Ten Principles for Good Design, and the work of award winning and contemporary book designer Mary Callahan, this resource will examine good book cover designs and the use of type, image and page layout.
Callahan will draw on her expertise as a book designer, President of the Australian Book Design Association and lecturer at RMIT to explore the Principles for Good Design in relation to her work and take you through an inspirational journey of exciting and award winning book covers.
The resource includes a filmed recording with Mary Callahan and a series of practical tasks for students to complete.
The tasks will teach students about the process for analysing and designing a book cover, applying the principles of Good Design.
This resource is developed by Visual Communication Victoria, with the assistance of the DoE Strategic Partnerships Program.
VCV members at Government schools can access this resource by completing the form on the VCV website order page.
Tasks for students:
Discuss:
- What do you think is Good Design in relation to books?
- What are Dieter Rams Ten Principles for Good Design and how this relates to book design?
- What does ‘Less but Better’ mean
Presentation - written or spoken
- A presentation / written analysis of a chosen book cover.
Briefs:
- Reimagining a classic
- Redesign an existing book cover
- Design a book series
- Design a spine series
Visual Communication Design Process
Glossary of terms
This resource is now available as a download.
VCV members at Non-government schools - Please Add to Shopping Cart if you are from an Independent or Catholic School
Teachers at non-government schools are able to purchase this resource ($150 non-government school VCV members, including GST).
You MUST log in as a VCV member to purchase this resource at the member price.
VCV members at Government schools - Please log in first, and then complete the form that will appear below.
VCV members at DoE schools can complete this form to gain free access to these resources. This resource is developed by Visual Communication Victoria, with the assistance of the DoE Strategic Partnerships Program.
Please note that access to these resources may take up to two business days to arrange.