Overview
Seven years is a long time in any industry, but when it comes to the worlds of design and technology (and particularly the point at which the two merge), it's an eternity! No wonder, then, that you (and about a million other readers!) have been eagerly awaiting this latest update to Robin Williams' enormously popular Non-Designer's series. In these pages, Robin defines the principles that govern type as well as the logic behind them so that you learn not just what looks best but why on your way to creating effective print and Web pages. Each short chapter in this thoroughly updated guide (which includes new coverage of typography in Adobe InDesign and Mac OS X) explores a different type secret or technique, including understanding legibility and readability; tailoring typeface to a particular project; mastering pull quotes and captions; working with spacing, punctuation marks, special characters, fonts, and justification; and more. The nonplatform- and nonsoftware-specific approach and Robin's lively, engaging style make this a must-have for any designer's bookshelf!
Most experienced designers agree: though HTML offers unlimited opportunities to present information, it is a lousy place to learn design techniques, and all too often publishers let HTML limitations dictate pages that are ugly, boring and difficult to use. Don't be boxed in by HTML -- set your creativity free by learning basic design principles to use in creating innovative Web pages. This is the book recommended to teach even the visually-impaired the basics of layout and design, and it's drawn rave reviews from the Webmasters who frequent Web publishing newsgroups. One reader said "Most Web page design books just teach you various tricks and never teach you how to think and see. Robin's book talks about the basic principles which are equally applicable in We! b pages." Learn how to organize information effectively, the best typefaces to drive home your page's message, which colors and backgrounds are best for your needs and other basics of design, invaluable background for anyone hoping to create distinctive pages on the Web. If your design eye could use some refining, The Non-Designer's Design Book is the book you need.
Synopsis
Seven years is a long time in any industry, but when it comes to the worlds of design and technology (and particularly the point at which the two merge), it's an eternity! No wonder, then, that you (and about a million other readers!) have been eagerly awaiting this latest update to Robin Williams' enormously popular Non-Designer's series. In these pages, Robin defines the principles that govern type as well as the logic behind them so that you learn not just what looks best but why on your way to creating effective print and Web pages. Each short chapter in this thoroughly updated guide (which includes new coverage of typography in Adobe InDesign and Mac OS X) explores a different type secret or technique, including understanding legibility and readability; tailoring typeface to a particular project; mastering pull quotes and captions; working with spacing, punctuation marks, special characters, fonts, and justification; and more. The nonplatform- and nonsoftware-specific approach and Robin's lively, engaging style make this a must-have for any designer's bookshelf!
Library Journal
Williams teaches electronic typography and has written some excellent books on digital design (e.g., The Non-Designer's Design Book, Peachpit, 1994). Anyone who has misplaced a font they just downloaded from a web site or who has witnessed the horrific use of type on many personal web sites knows how badly these books are needed. Clear explanations and good illustrations are the hallmarks of both volumes. There is little overlap, since one deals with managing the electronic fonts and the other with the uses of type. These gems are recommended for most collections.