• 25Jul
    LogoBlog Book Review: Decoding Design by Maggie Macnab

    Examining and evaluating logo design is often done through the lens of graphic design principles and visual communication standards.

    Although such evaluation is purely subjective, shapes, typography, and color, stand as obvious visual cues to the design of the logo.

    But what about the not so obvious? The mathematics, psychology, and semosis, behind the creation of a logo.

    Maggie Macnab explores this topic in depth in Decoding Design: Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communications. Through teaching logo design at the University of New Mexico for over ten years, being published in several design centered magazines, and speaking to the design community internationally, Macnab has collected substantial information as to the “Why” of logo design and not just the “How.” Decoding Designs offers a unique perspective of the elements that form one of the world’s oldest forms of communication.

    Macnab investigates the roots of logo design and visual communication through an easy to follow numerical breakdown. Each chapter, zero through ten, uncovers the meanings and characteristics of mathematics’ eleven smallest whole numbers. Each number (chapter) exposes often overlooked characteristics of design, math, and psychology that explore further into the meanings of certain design trends. From the relationship of design and ethics, to the connection of nature and symbolism, Decoding Design brings all of the facets of design together, forming a holistic analysis.

    The level of analysis is best exemplified in chapter ten as Macnab comes full circle in the dissection of numbers, their roots, and their implications on nature and design. “The number ten contains the comprehensive synergy of all the numbers below it, reinterpreted as a more complex world of double digits that lead to infinity”(p.203) Macnab examines far beyond the typical shapes, angles, and colors of design, and exposes the deeper theoretical framework beneath.

    However, keep in mind that this literature is probably not your best choice for light reading. Macnab dives deep into the inner workings of symbolism and its effects on people and nature. Knowing the varying level of design interest of the LogoBlog community, this book may not be for the casual observer.

    Whether you are interested in visual communication and logo design as a potential career, hobby, or area of study, Decoding Design has valuable information for you.

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