Discover: The Purpose of Graphic Design

What exactly is graphic design and what is it's purpose? Watch this video to find out.

And how long has graphic design been a thing? This video explains the history of graphic design.


Design Discovery

Go on a design discovery mission in your home (and on your computer). Collect at least 5 samples of graphic designs that you like. Try to include a variety of formats (i.e. cards, web pages, flyers, book covers, etc).

In the comments below, list five designs you found with a short description of the format and purpose (i.e. a postcard advertising a sale).

Choose one of the designs you found during your discovery mission and discuss these questions with your family. (Maybe your family members can each find a design and answer the questions about their chosen item)

  • What do you like about the design?
  • What caught your attention in this design? The colors? Text? Images?
  • What is the format of the design? Postcard? Website? Product carton? Etc.
  • Why do you think this item was created? What is the purpose? To inform? To persuade? To sell? To encourage?

Before you start creatiing, there are some fundamentals of design you need to know.

Choose one or more of the designs you identified during your Design Hunt and discuss these questions with your family.

  • What lines do you see in your chosen design?
  • What shapes do you see in your design? Are they geometric or organic?
  • What forms do you see in your design?
  • What texture do you see in your design?
  • How balanced is your chosen design? Is it symmetrical? Asymmetrical? Or unbalanced?

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