The core of the book is a full classification of all the trade marks covering pictures, names and abbreviations. The author analyses and describes the history of trademarks and shows how they have transcended barriers of language and time.

Riffing on the techie term 'wayfinding', which designers and manufacturers use when talking about the function of signs and signage systems as they are used by the viewer, this book seeks to find a more precise visual language for what sign designers actually do, which is to show the way. Unfortunately, as Mollerup points out, many designers never master the art of wayshowing themselves. For wayshowing relates to wayfinding as writing relates to reading and as talking relates to hearing - The purpose of wayshowing is to facilitate wayfinding. In this accessible but invigorating investigation, Mollerup examines international sign systems and architectural landmarks in detail with his trademark candor and good humor. His analysis is at once pithy, scholarly, and historical.

This entertaining book takes a quirky look at the world of flexible objects, those items that fold out for use and then fold back in again to save space. Per Mollerup identifies twelve principles of collapsibility and looks at examples of each in turn, before examining collapsibility in furniture of all kinds, from chairs and tables to sofas and storage.Over 500 illustrations bring together design classics, rare historical material, specially drawn diagrams and up-tothe- minute gadgetry in one absorbing and inspiring album.

This book explores the increasing altruistic impulse of the design community to address some of the world's most difficult problems including social, political, environmental, and global health causes at the local, national, and global scale. Each chapter strategically combines theory and practice to examine how to identify causes and locate accurate data, truth and integrity in information design, the information design/data visualization process, understanding audiences, crafting meaningful narratives, and measuring the impact of a design. A variety of international case studies and interviews with practitioners illustrate the challenges and impact of designing for social agendas. These range from traditional media outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, popular science organizations like National Geographic and Scientific America, to health institutes like The World Health Organization and The Center for Disease Control. This book allows the novice information designer to create compelling human-centered information narratives which make a difference in our world.

Ten laws of simplicity for business, technology, and design that teach us how to need less but get more. Finally, we are learning that simplicity equals sanity. We're rebelling against technology that's too complicated, DVD players with too many menus, and software accompanied by 75-megabyte "read me" manuals. The iPod's clean gadgetry has made simplicity hip. But sometimes we find ourselves caught up in the simplicity paradox: we want something that's simple and easy to use, but also does all the complex things we might ever want it to do. In The Laws of Simplicity, John Maeda offers ten laws for balancing simplicity and complexity in business, technology, and design—guidelines for needing less and actually getting more. Maeda—a professor in MIT's Media Lab and a world-renowned graphic designer—explores the question of how we can redefine the notion of "improved" so that it doesn't always mean something more, something added on. Maeda's first law of simplicity is "Reduce." It's not necessarily beneficial to add technology features just because we can. And the features that we do have must be organized (Law 2) in a sensible hierarchy so users aren't distracted by features and functions they don't need. But simplicity is not less just for the sake of less. Skip ahead to Law 9: "Failure: Accept the fact that some things can never be made simple." Maeda's concise guide to simplicity in the digital age shows us how this idea can be a cornerstone of organizations and their products—how it can drive both business and technology. We can learn to simplify without sacrificing comfort and meaning, and we can achieve the balance described in Law 10. This law, which Maeda calls "The One," tells us: "Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful."

This must-have resource for students, beginners and new designers is packed full of advice and examples from the biggest names in graphic design. Full of engaging essays and case studies from some of the most prolific designers of our time, this complete guide provides a thorough grounding in designing and producing original work. With designers including Marian Bantjes, Armin Vit, Christoph Neiman, Erik Spiekermann, Khoi Vinh, Per Mollerup, Luba Lukova, Rick Valicenti and Vault49 sharing the knowledge gained from their own practical experience and offering unexpected gems along with solid practical guidance, this is the perfect introduction to graphic design for those starting out.