Examples Of Design Manuals . .

To begin my project I decided to look at other examples of 'web journals/manuals', websites that in some way inform or instruct users on elements of design etc.

1. Trent Walton | Fluid Type:

2. Creative Blog: 40 Brilliant WordPress Tutorials For Designers:

Website Inspiration/Theme

Retro 1950's

I have chosen the 1950's as a theme to base the design of my web journal as I particularly love the design of posters and animation of the era. I believe that the retro style and the use of contrasting bright colours and shapes are visually appealing. It creates a funky yet modern style that is both fun and informative. These elements both contrast and reflect on technology and web design. Retro also implies that we should look to the past to go to the future.

Modern examples of Retro

Retro Futuristic

More specifically I have decided to base my web manual on the 1950's design around space and futuristic design and illustrations. Animation such as 'The Jetsons' that use sharp images in contrast to round softer images and also atoms and other futuristic elements. 

Jetsons

Visual Research: Graphic Illustrations

Graphical illustration is created through traditional means or through digitally drawing on a computer to achieve a particular effect. Illustration can be inspiring and communicates a story to its viewers through artistic means. 

Here are some examples:

Visual Research: Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type in order to make language visible. Typography such as pictorial type has increased popularity in recent years as it allows designers to experiment with both graphical elements and typography to produce often amazing versions of typography that are not only appeal but creative, fun and expressive. 

Typography is shown across through various mediums such as print and screen. It is an important part of communication and can determine how someone visualises something. It can set a tone, mood, theme and much more. It is used for advertising, information, expression, communication etc.

Here are some examples:

Visual Research: Visual Iconography

Visual iconography is usually symbol graphics that represent something, such as an action, person, object etc. We come in contact with visual iconography everyday and is important in terms of visual recognition.

Here are some examples of visual iconography:

Visual Research: Infomation Graphics

Information graphics or info graphics are often a quirky visual and graphic way of displaying information, facts, data and knowledge. They have the ability do make dull information appear fascinating and intriguing often, often changing perspective.

Examples of Info Graphics are:

Technical Research: Java Script

What is Java Script?

Javascript is the most popular scripting language in the world. It is the standard language of the web and is widely used in things such as servers, desktop and smartphones. It doesn't require constant downloads from your website. Javascript is often used on websites to create things such as polls, quizzes and pop ups.

Javascript is built into all main web browsers such as Safari, Internet Explorer and Firefox. Provided that users visit your website using one of these browsers then the javascript will run when they visit the web page.