POWERED BY DESIGN

An introduction to Problem Solving with Graphic Design

The topics of accessibility, inclusion, ethics, and diversity often arise too late in the design process—if at all. I believe these topics are an essential part of the discussion, however, and need to be part of the conversation from the very start of the design process. When it came time to select a textbook for the Introduction to Graphic Design course, which is a required course for many of the students at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, I could not find a singular book that discussed all these topics as part of a designer’s introduction to design theory and practice. In addition, the design industry has evolved immensely over the past decade, and most of the books felt outdated as a result.

My solution was to write Powered by Design: An Introduction to Problem Solving with Graphic Design. An up-to-date book that made the introduction to graphic design theories and foundational concepts approachable and inclusive. Throughout the pages of the book students can find examples of work from designers from all over the world, as well as from all different stages in their careers. Students have shared with me that, at the start of their design career, it is intimidating to see work from experienced, successful designers only. To make the subject more approachable, Powered by Design features work from emerging designers and oftentimes examples of some of the first design work they created. To inspire students, work from designers who are well known in the industry, such as Timothy Goodman, Jessica Walsh, Tad Carpenter, and Danielle Evans, is also represented. Throughout the book, Studio and Designer Spotlights teach students about different kinds of design studios, ranging from large agencies to freelance businesses to forward-thinking studios looking at voice user interfaces and extended reality (XR). The book showcases work in multiple languages from countries all over the world. When new and emerging designers read this book, they learn from the first page about the importance of designing with empathy and the considerations that should be made to ensure the work is as inclusive as possible to a wide audience.