Decoding Design: Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communication

by Maggie Macnab

Our world is comprised of a handful of very simple patterns that have been a part of human design since the beginning of time and have eternal significance. Decoding Design reveals how common symbols and shapes - like circles, squares and triangles - resonate at a gut level and can lend greater meaning to a design. By deconstructing famous logos and other sample designs, you'll learn how to communicate complex information quickly and intuitively with universal and meaningful patterns. You'll also uncover how other disciplines, such as philosophy, math, and physics, influence great design and can help you present ideas in a holistic and compelling manner. Whether you're a designer, student, or marketing professional, Decoding Design will show you the deeper meaning behind the symbols you encounter everyday, and how to better use those symbols to create an impactful relationship with the viewer.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Maggie Macnab is a self-taught designer from New Mexico. She began Macnab Design in 1981 and her work has received international recognition for over 30 years. With a lifelong passion for the creative problem solving process, Maggie’s work, teaching and books encompass the observation of how nature solves design problems and how to practically apply these principles to design. She teaches for various universities in New Mexico and speaks internationally for institutes, conferences and schools. She is author of Decoding Design and Design by Nature; both have received awards and are translated into multiple languages, including the Farsi version of Design by Nature that won best translated book in Iran in 2014. Designing Effective Logos, a learn by video series produced by Peachpit Press, released in late 2014.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are parts of this book that are shamefully mystical for being essentially a modernist textbook. However, this was my first introduction to the numerology of forms, and it's extremely easy to understand, enjoy, and even utilize in your own creative work, applied across almost all creative disciplines. Easy to recommend.

[Yvonne Chow · Rating 4 out of 5]

how to understand the math, science, and universal meanings behind symbols. contains logo case studies

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this quote from early on in the book explains it well,
"In the same way breathing is an unconscious action, patterns are so pervasive we don't notice most of them. Likewise we cannot exist without them and we use them subliminally and constantly."

Symbology and semiotics are crucial in design - more importantly the ability to understand what we are trying to communicate and then clearly encode within the design - so that the users, customers and audience can easily understand and make the most of them.

I feel that a lot of 'failed' design, is simply the designer's inability to perform this encoding properly.

I heard Maggie talking on DesignMatters and then set about tracking the book down (at a reasonable price - it's out of print).

After reading the book , I immediately thought, damn - I wish I had had this book 25 years ago. I then thought; this topic and this knowledge is obviously needed, why is Maggie the only one to have written about it.

Personally, I think this book should be required reading on EVERY design course - so, it's tragic that it's "out of print". There is an eBook, but then you miss the great interactive cover.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently working on a more comprehensive review of this book, but this is the bottom line: If you are a practicing artist, designer or craftsman--read this book. If you have friends that fall into these categories--buy this book for them. Many design books are pure fluff or puff pieces for their 'celebrity' subjects. This book has all the great photos, illustrations and examples of a well produced, showy design book, but more impressively, the text is highly engaging and thought-provoking. It has inspired me to try new things in my work as well as elucidated some things that were already happening--just at that slightly unconscious level. This is not only a good read, but a reference book that actually lives up to that ideal.

[Samee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Macnab was my logo design teacher. I can't wait to delve deeper into her book!

[Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview and guide to identifying basic design principles and the messages they convey. I refer to it often. Should be on any designer's bookshelf.

[Sellyndavies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A design book that reads like liturgy. Explores universal symbols. Totally kicks ass as a design resource, and is also a fine example of print design at its best.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thought-provoking design books I've ever read. It really descends into the insights of why certain images appeal to us on a primordial level.