WHAT IS GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR - study task 3

My own understanding

Information and Way-finding design

Information and way-finding design needs to be clear, simple and straight to the point. In order to deliver information, it needs to be legible, and the viewer needs to be able to understand what exactly it is being delivered to them. This is of great importance particularly when it comes to road signs, or signage in hospitals or other buildings of the same status. 

Navigation needs to be considered, along with location and destination. If the design is able to effectively communicate directions and information then it is doing it's job.

Product and Packaging design

The main aim of product and packaging design is to make the costumer want to commit to purchasing it. It needs to attract the right kind of market and audience. In order to do this, it needs to have a strong personality and aesthetic, so that it stands out from products similar to it.  Packaging must both sell and protect the product, but also be easy to use and discard of if needs be. 

Branding and Identity design

Branding and identity is created for a particular individual, company or product. It's main aim is to promote, and display a well suited aesthetic.

To create branding and identity, normally this would include a logo that is recognisable to the public, with certain features that would be related to that product or company in order to create a perceived image of who they are and what they're all about - making them identifiable.

Editorial and Publishing design

Editorial and publishing design has to be extremely particular, depending on what it is being designed. It depends on aesthetics, as well as heavily relying on readability, legibility and the hierarchy of type and image. Layout is therefore extremely important, and this will change depending on the content of the publication. Many publications have completely different aesthetic qualities, as they need to be appropriate and relevant.

Retail and Promotional design

Retail and promotional design has the main intention of selling a product or brand, therefore it has to be appealing, attractive and stand out from every other item that is out there. Retail and promotional design links in with branding and identity, as it has to have particular features and qualities that relate to the company or store. This usually includes window displays, web design, posters, billboards and other forms of advertising.