Harvard College Library

This gateway site for the Harvard College Library is a good example of simple, grid-based design. The colors are vibrant and inviting, the text is easy to read, and navigation is intuitive. The seal in the background is a nice touch. Notice how each area of the site works from left to right. I especially like the feature under “Hours” that lets you know the library is “Open Right Now”. It reminds me of Krispy Kreme doughnut’s neon beacon.

The Grid

Grid Systems by Kimberly Elam is one of my favorite graphic design books. It helped me to understand the importance of viewing type as a visual element instead of the words that are near elements. Dividing up the project space into a grid allows you to balance type, images, and white space. This layout strategy promotes a visual hierarchy in your design, and enhances visual communication.

Beginning with basic grids, Elam shows the internal structure of several designs. Velum overlays with diagrams illustrate the technical skill of typography. The examples in Elam’s book are drawn from advertising, both print and on-line. But you can apply these ideas to each piece you design.

Grid use is not only useful for high impact advertising; interactive tutorials should also be thoughfully designed. How does type placement affect learning? Where is the best place to put navigation buttons? Check out Elam’s book and watch your designs change for the better.

Amazon has it on sale right now for dirt cheap.

Call for Help

My singing teacher once told me that if I could think a note, I could sing it. It took me years to realize that she lied. I never quit singing (I am a legend in my living room) but I learned to stay in my range. Thinking those airy notes does not make them come out of my mouth correctly. And I know some soprano power houses to call should I ever need one. Hey, I can’t be an alto superstar and a bag of chips. This trot down memory lane is actually leading somewhere — know your limits and where to get help.

I was reading the latest post over at Jill Stover’s excellent blog, Library Marketing. Jill posted a library marketing initiative used at Lafayette College. Really cool postcards were created to promote individual research appointments with librarians. Who did the graphic design? Students workers!

No one can be good at everything, and the smartest people I know are the ones who know how much they don’t know. What would have happened to the postcard idea at Lafayette College if no one thought to ask students for help? Even the greatest ideas can bomb if they are not executed properly.

Students are a wonderful asset, and they are eager to show off their skills. Look in the art and journalism departments the next time you get stuck. Don’t let a great idea get away!

ALA Website Survey

If you haven’t had the chance already, drop in and take a look at the proposed redesign of the ALA website. This link will take you to the viewing pages, and you can complete a survey after looking at the new features. These pages will not function after January 31.

The survey asks some interesting questions about the impact of site design.

Old Vegetables

I buy vegetables from our local market, Richard’s Market Basket. The prices are better than major stores, and I like the owner. Richard, the shop’s namesake, knows everything about produce. He has been in the business since he was about twelve, and is now in his seventies.

One shelf in the store is reserved for wilted, bruised, or aging vegetables. This morning, I asked Richard who would buy these packages. They don’t look appetizing or healthy. He looked shocked at my question, and told me that value-minded people buy the old stuff. Looking past the spoiled outer layers, folks can get a good deal on the inside of an onion or the good parts of a squash.

He told me to watch a lady looking at grapes. She picked them up and quickly put them down. Richard said, “See, they don’t look pretty. In the big stores, produce is all about looks. If it’s not pretty it won’t sell.”

Marketing materials are like that, too. Our patrons are used to seeing high-end professional graphics everywhere they look. Why should things be any different at the library? Finely crafted handouts exude integrity. Given the choice, people will trust a message that looks good.

A side note on Richard: I was picking out a cantaloupe one day, and he came up and informed me that the one I had was not ready. He selected a melon that had brown streaks forming at the bottom end. Richard said that fruits begin to turn brown when their sugar is sweetest. Then, pointing to the top of his liver spotted hand, he said, “Just like me.”

Junk Mail

I just read this great post over at You the Designer about Direct Mail. Gino discusses the increased number of square direct mail pieces popping up recently.

But the best part of the post was the suggestion to collect direct mail. Yes, I mean KEEP your junk mail. Not everything, of course. But it is helpful to have inspiration pieces when you need a jump start. So next time the mail comes, sift through and decide what might be classified as keepable junk.

Color Preference

Everyone has color likes and dislikes, and these colors can change depending on our moods, age, and geographical location. I found an interesting study done by Joe Hallock in 2003. Click here to explore Hallock’s “Colour Assignment”. I think it is an interesting study, especially the section on associations. His findings are definitely something to consider the next time you start a new design.

The Magic Manilla Envelope

My favorite part of designing is starting a new project. I love getting all the pieces together, trying out colors, deciding on fonts, and finding images. My problem for years, though, was an incredibly messy desk. And my computer desktop was even more chaotic. Then I discovered the Magic Manilla Envelope. Finally, I got organized.

Each time I began a new project, I attached a project sheet to the front of the envelope. The project sheet included all the information I needed to get the project going, like the client contact info, page size, color stats, due date, etc. Inside the envelope I put drafts, any info sent to me by the client, and anything else that would needed to be there. When it was time to get hot and heavy on the project, I had everything I needed in one place.

Create your own simple project sheet! Think of everything you need to know about a project. Don’t forget to include a place to write down your target audience.

Are you a designer?

Yes you are! If part of your work responsibilities include creating visual materials for patrons, then you are already a graphic designer. Many librarians are not just making flyers — we are doing it all — web sites, interactive tutorials, brochures, fundraising requests, press releases, podcasts, videos . . .

I want this site to be a place where librarians can find ideas to help them be better designers. If you have a project you would like to share or a question to ask, please send me a message.