WHY A "FORM and CONTENT" FORMAT?
As all design is communication, having a clear understanding of form and content is truly essential. This is where traditional textbooks fall short. Therefore, when you look through the pages of Connecting to Design you will see a black and white image, followed by an image in color; the black and white image describes form – the visual and descriptive aspects, while the image in color discusses content – the essential meaning, feeling or emotion.
It is imperative that the student understands that all of these visual forms communicate something. And as a designer, they control the message. Therefore, the book follows this “form and content” format.
WHY IS THE IMAGERY THE SAME, OR SIMILAR?
Similar images are used to keep the frame of reference consistent. THIS IS KEY, as inconsistent references can confuse the student when learning new concepts. In Connecting to Design, each image builds upon itself to introduce a new element or principle; the subject is consistent, emphasizing only new concepts, which keeps the information visually clear, concise, and easy to comprehend.
WHY NOT INCLUDE ART HISTORY EXAMPLES?
Connecting to Design is a teaching tool designed specifically for design students, not fine art students. Therefore, Connecting to Design introduces new concepts and ideas in a universal format allowing the student to make connections in the areas of film & video, media arts & animation, game art & design, advertising, graphic design, interior design, industrial design and fashion.
WHAT IS "COMMENTARY ON DESIGN"?
As traditional textbooks do not provide an avenue for students or instructors to explore the elements and principles within the major design fields, Commentary on Design was created. Commentary on Design is a website embedded within Connecting to Design, designed for students and instructors as a way to discover how designers in the real world are employing the elements and principles of design in a variety of design fields!
Here, students make connections with what they have learned by applying the concepts to their area of design. They can also share their insights to a global community, making the learning experience interactive, fresh and engaging for the both student and the instructor.
CAN I INCORPORATE IN MY CLASSROOM?
Yes, easily! Where traditional textbooks highlight a specific area, such as art or architecture, Connecting to Design illustrates the elements and principles in a universal format, providing you the foundation to build upon and incorporate within your classroom, with YOUR area of expertise.
