Graphic Design
Why White Space Gives a Page Its Pace
White space gives a page its pace by separating ideas and guiding attention. Learn to judge spacing through hierarchy…
All articles
Articles
Explore close readings of the layouts, objects and spaces that shape how people see and use the designed world.
Objects
Ceramic or Stainless Steel: Reading a Mug by Its Material
Ceramic or stainless steel mugs feel different in the hand and at the table. Learn how weight, surface and handling…
Visual Culture
The Shop Window Before the Shopping Mall
The shop window before the shopping mall was shaped by its street setting. Learn to read how glass, display choices…
Spaces
The Matching Furniture Set Myth
Matching furniture sets can make a room feel flat. Learn how shared proportions, materials and repeated details…
Design Process
A One-Page Poster for a Busy Noticeboard
A one-page poster for a busy noticeboard can make an event legible at a glance by giving its main message, date, place…
Our point of view
Design is a set of choices you can learn to read.
We look past the finished surface to ask what a design does, what it asks of its user and which alternatives were available.