Description
📘 Book Information
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Title: Design Basics (9th Edition)
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Author: Stephen Pentak, David A. Lauer
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Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Publication Year: 2015
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Format: Paperback
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Pages: 320
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ISBN: 9781285858227
📖 About this Book
Design Basics is a leading introductory textbook that clearly explains the fundamental principles and elements of visual design. Filled with hundreds of high-quality examples, it helps students understand how design concepts are applied in real-world compositions.
The book begins with the design process and core principles such as unity, emphasis, proportion, balance, and rhythm. It then explores essential design elements including line, shape, texture, space, value, and color.
Each concept is presented in concise two- to four-page spreads, making it highly practical and easy to reference during studio work. This structure allows students to immediately apply what they learn to their own design projects.
📑 Table of Contents
Part I: Design Principles
- Design Process
- Unity
- Emphasis and Focal Point
- Scale and Proportion
- Balance
- Rhythm
Part II: Design Elements
7. Line
8. Shape / Volume
9. Pattern and Texture
10. Illusion of Space
11. Illusion of Motion
12. Value
13. Color
📝 Editorial Reviews
“Filled with hundreds of stunning examples of successful two-dimensional design, this how-to book explains design theory and gives students the tools needed to create successful designs.”
“Concepts are presented in full two- to four-page spreads, making the text practical and easy to use while working.”
This textbook is widely recognized not only as a theoretical foundation but also as a highly practical guide for studio-based learning.
🎓 Course Relevance
This book is used as a primary or recommended text in the following courses:
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ARCH121 – 2D Design / Computer Graphics
→ Foundations of visual composition and design principles
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Graphic Design Foundation Courses
→ Core training in color, composition, and visual structure
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Introductory Studio Courses
→ Project-based design development
It plays a critical role in helping students develop visual literacy and a strong foundation for both architecture and graphic design studies.
✨ Hesed Note
This book has been carefully selected as a foundational resource for students beginning their journey in design and visual thinking.
✨ Your purchase provides one week of course materials for a Hesed student.
📖 Handpicked by Hesed University faculty as essential reading for our programs.
🕊️ All proceeds directly support the mission and growth of Hesed University.
