Module 1 Fundamentals of Publication Design
Module 1 Fundamentals of Publication Design
Learning Objectives
• Understand different layouts, compositions and hierarchy of information
• Understand the model of communication
• Apply design thinking to a communication design problem
• Identify elements of composition
SDGs Included
Publication design is the process of generating and designing layouts for items like
newspapers, periodicals, books, and their internet equivalents. It contains features such as
photographs and typography, and designers consider aspects like size and colour to make
publications appealing, eye-catching, and easy to read. Publication design can include
everything from single-page newsletters to multi-page magazines. Some examples of
common types of publication design are:
E-
Newsletters
Online Online
Brochures Publications
Examples
of PD
Online
Ebooks
Catalogues
Blogs
Layouts, Compositions and Hierarchy of Information (Editor: H1 Heading)
When we create any publication, we first consider its layout. Layout design is the process of
arranging visual components on a page, such as text, photos, and shapes. Layout design is
essential for any project that uses eye-catching graphics to convey a message for example,
magazine layouts, website design, and commercials.
A good layout design is both lively and straightforward, with visual indicators that guide the
reader through a piece of text without overshadowing its message. When creating a
distinctive and effective layout, many layout designers adhere to a set of principles (such as
alignment, visual hierarchy, and space). A grid can also be used by designers to arrange
layout design elements in a clear, understandable manner.
A layout is the arrangement of text and graphics on a particular surface area. There are three
types of layouts: Text Dominant, Image Dominant, Image and Text
• Text Dominant: If there is too much or too large text, it will have to be text
dominated. However, from a layout standpoint, the headline could be utilized in large
display fonts, taking up more space to make it stand out.
• Image Dominant: These layouts are frequently found in our newspapers and
magazines, where a photo of a celebrity takes centre stage or a product is exhibited in
all its grandeur, as in most automotive commercials.
• Image and Text: In these layouts, image and text are incorporated in equal measure
and are given equal prominence.
Elements of Layout Design (Editor: H2 Heading)
These are the basic design aspects that every designer will employ while creating a layout
design or composition:
1. Text: In layout design, text blocks comprise headlines, subheadings, headers, footers,
and paragraphs. Text will also incorporate menus and buttons in
web design. Whatever typographic style you choose can convey a
particular mood, and you can combine different styles of text to
generate diverse results.
2. Image: Photographs, illustrations, and infographics are examples of images that can
be used in graphic design. Large visuals can capture your audience’s
attention and express messages without the use of writing.
3. Line: A line is the connection between two locations in space. Lines, whether
horizontal, diagonal, or vertical, can help direct the attention to a
certain place in your composition. They can also be used to define
sections or visual aspects of your layout.
4. Shape: A shape, in its most basic form, is a two-dimensional area bordered by an
outline. Organic shapes are those that occur naturally in the
world, geometric shapes are those that are angular and
mathematically consistent, and abstract shapes are those that
represent things in nature but aren’t precisely representative. In
layout design, circles, squares, or any other shape can be used to
add graphic components to a page, highlight text, or designate
space between other visual elements.
5. White space: In layout design, the blank space between parts can be as crucial as the
visual elements themselves. The spacing between elements can draw
attention to them and make them stand out.
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4. Balance: Visual balance refers to how your image’s aspects balance each other out.
Look for ways to balance the visual information on your page in
layout design, whether through symmetry or balanced asymmetrical
layouts.
5. Proximity: Proximity refers to how close or far apart the parts in a layout are.
Proximity can assist consumers in connecting different visual parts of a
project.
(Editor: Please redraw all images in the above content. The source of these images is
https://pavilion.dinfos.edu/Article/Article/2305526/design-concepts-for-standout-visuals/ )
Notes
Here are some pointers to consider if you’re starting your own layout design project:
Use whitespace
Typography Grouping
Colour
For headlines Weight Group
Contrast
or important Make a relevant Proximity
Make use of
information, typeface design
contrast Make one
use a higher bolder or components
between object stand
font size, thinner by together and
visual on its own.
bolded text, adjusting its separate
elements in a
or a different weight. unrelated
composition.
colour. items.
Video Session
Watch the video to sum up the above points - Beginning Graphic Design: Layout &
Composition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5KYlHNKQB8
(EDITOR: PLEASE GIVE QR CODE)
DT Task 2
The shape of the McDonald’s logo was designed to make you drool! These
arches stand for stability and a spot where patrons may unwind and
indulge in a burger following a demanding workday. As a result of its
simplicity, people can recognize this logo anywhere in the world. It's
golden and there's just one “m.”
Your task will be to study the logos of few companies and see how you can improve
them. You can also take items from the real world and try to create a simplistic logo
version of it. For example, take a leaf and simplify it so it could be used as a logo.
Draw the new logo as you imagine it.
Grid Design (Editor: H1 Heading)
A grid is a powerful design tool that has evolved over time. There are five types of grids in
design:
Column Grids Graphic and web designers most commonly utilize this style of
grid. Essentially, it is a collection of columns that assist in the
placement and alignment of text and other design elements.
Hierarchical Grids Hierarchical grids are any irregular grids. This style of grid is
most adaptable to content requirements. It can be made up of
two different types of grids combined, or it can be completely
free-form.
Modular Grid A modular grid uses geometric shapes of the same size
arranged in a specific order. The grid lets you divide the layout
into equal cells, or modules, and change the sizes and indents
of each component.
Baseline Grid Grid for text lines, known as baselines, are used to create a
reading rhythm in designs with a lot of text. This grid layout
pattern is frequently used in school notebooks.
(Editor : Please redraw image)
New York Times, April 15, 1865 Image credit: Times Machine by The New York Times
(Editor: Image source: https://www.eleken.co/blog-posts/grid-layout-design-history-tips-
and-best-examples)
Analysis of the Media of Communication – Understanding the model of communication
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Effective communication is required for success in almost all occupations. Most
organisations use a nonlinear communication approach that places emphasis on message
engagement. This method, also called interactive model of communication, involves
exchanging ideas, information, or messages on a regular basis.
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The interactive model that allows effective communication comprises of the following
components:
Encoder-source-decoder (H3 Heading)
This component of the interactive model includes a source who sends out a message. As a
result of the two-way communication mechanism, the encoders and decoders are also
sources. When transmitting a message, the source functions as an encoder, and when
receiving one, it acts as a decoder. After receiving a message, the second communication
source decodes it, generates feedback, encodes it, and transmits it back to the first source.
Message (H3 Heading)
During an interactive communication process, the message is the information that is sent and
received. If a customer asks a question on a company’s social media page, the message is the
content of the inquiry and the response offered. To complete the process, every
communication model requires a message.
Channel (H3 Heading)
A channel is the medium of communication through which both sources transmit messages. It
is an important aspect of delivering a sender’s message. A consumer communicating with a
customer service professional, for example, may use the internet as their communication
route. In-person talks, phone calls, and text messages are some of the other channels.
Feedback (H3 Heading)
Feedback is the message that is delivered back to the sender in response to the information
that was received. A client, for example, may inquire about a service given. Since each
participant in communication rotates between the roles of transmitter and receiver, feedback
is required to sustain a communication encounter.
Various types of communication channels (H2 Heading)
The following is a list of the most commonly used communication channels. Use them for
effective communication with your stakeholders.
DT Task 1
Create a comic strip using Canva to introduce the concept of sustainability. Decide
the layout, colour theme, message etc. as per your requirement. The class can
decide as a group which student’s comic strip depicted the best message.
Game 1
How well do you understand pixel sizes? Try this in
this game by drawing boxes and attempting to
come as near to the specified size as you can in
order to receive the lowest score.
https://fakeclients.com/exercises/pixelguesser
(Editor: Please give QR code)
(Editor: Image File: C8.PNG )
Game 2
The majority of graphic designers work with fonts on a daily basis, but are you
aware of their names? Take this quiz https://fakeclients.com/exercises/fontquiz
(Editor: Please give QR code)
Chapter Recall
• Publication design is the process of generating and designing layouts for items like
newspapers, periodicals, books, and their internet equivalents.
• It contains features such as photographs and typography, and designers consider
aspects like size and colour to make publications appealing, eye-catching, and easy to
read.
• A good layout design is both lively and straightforward, with visual indicators that
guide the reader through a piece of text without overshadowing its message.
• The basic design aspects that every designer will employ while creating a layout
design – text, image, line, shape, white space.
• Layout design ideas will include alignment, visual hierarchy, contrast, balance, and
proximity.
• Hierarchy of information is the order of relevance of information in a publication.
• A grid is a powerful design tool that has evolved over time. There are five types of
grids in design – manuscript, column, baseline, hierarchical, modular.
• Most organisations use the interactive model of communication which involves
exchanging ideas, information, or messages on a regular basis.
• The components of the interactive model are – encoder, decoder, message, channel
and feedback.
• Various communication channels like social media, print media, video conferencing
are used for effective communication.
• Various factors like language, prejudice, cultural differences affect communication.
App Byte: Learn to use Canva
Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design platform. It allows the user to create visual content.
This visual content includes social media graphics, posters, banners, etc. Canva is an online
platform. After creating the content, the user can download it as an image file or a PDF.
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Select the document you wish to design. For example, we would like to design a poster. Type
poster in the search box as shown and press enter:
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You will get a screen as follows:
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Choose a template as per your requirement and click on it. You will get a screen as follows:
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Now click on ‘Customize this Template’ and the poster will open in the Design mode.
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We will make changes to this poster as per our requirement. Canva templates come with pre-
defined text formats. However, these formats are not rigid. The user can format the text
according to his/her requirement. When you select the text you want to edit, a top bar appears
with different formatting options to change size, font, color, effect, etc.
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Make the necessary changes as per your requirement. To download your poster click on Share
→ Download and then download as a PNG file.
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Watch the following tutorial also: How To Use Canva For BEGINNERS! (Canva Tutorial
2020) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJSgUx5K6V0 (Editor: Please give QR code)
Solved Questions
Unsolved Questions
1) How could clearer communication between different teams have prevented the Beagle
2 failure?
2) What communication strategies could have ensured proper testing and a more robust
communication system for the lander?
Lab Activity
Activity 1
Assume you are a new designer. Create a logo for your brand, along with a business card.
Since you will be your first client, you should be aware of what you need and what to ask for.
Prioritize your needs, your vision, and the audience you wish to reach with your brand, for
instance.
Activity 2 [DT Handbook]
Identify the source, message, code, context and receiver in the following channels of
communication:
A. Newspaper article
B. Poster on the notice board
C. Film poster
D. Advertisement page in a magazine
E. A comic book
F. Page in a textbook
G. Website
H. WhatsApp or email
Make a chart of your analysis in a table format with the channel on vertical axis and the
factors for communication on the horizontal axis:
1. Identify the Source ‐ who has sent the message – Newspaper agency, NGO, School,
etc.
2. What is the message or content ‐ summary of the information conveyed
3. What is the Channel or Media ‐ spoken words, TV, Poster, Newspaper, book, etc.
4. What is the Code – Is it text, images, cartoons, etc.
5. What is the context - Political, Entertainment, etc.
6. Identify the receiver – who is the reader
Add On Task: Make the above table in Excel. Format it with different colours.
Activity 3
Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia are all affected by the Horn of Africa drought. With an
estimated 43,000 deaths in Somalia in 2022, the rainy season of 2022 was the driest in
almost 40 years. As of 2023, the area is expected to experience a sixth unsuccessful wet
season.
Create an illustrated postcard using Canva to collect food items for drought affected areas of
Africa. Your postcard should be able to highlight the plight of drought victims as well as raise
a voice to save food for the underprivileged African communities.