1. Website & Graphical Design Seminar
Graphic Design 2011
May 17, 2011
George Salinas
VP, Creative Services

2. Graphic Design 2011
What is graphic design?
c and ical
tegi techn
stra
Graphic design is a creative process – most often
involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with
producers of form (i.e., printers, programmers, signmakers, etc.) – undertaken
in order to convey a specific message (or messages) to a targeted audience. The
term "graphic design" can also refer to a number of artistic and professional disci-
plines that focus on visual communication and presentation. The field as a whole
is also often referred to as visual communication or communication design.
Various methods are used to create and combine words, symbols and images to
create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may
use typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result.
Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the
communication is created and the products (designs) that are generated.
Source: Wikipedia, 2011
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3. Graphic Design 2011
Demands graphic design 2011?
The demands on strategy, creative and technical deliverables are greater than ever,
in 2011. We see a huge popularity with tech-savvy consumers who are comfortable
in utilizing Web and mobile applications on daily basis. Our clients are looking to
reach this audience and create a memorable and user-friendly experience that
conveys a specific message.
When creating a website, we look at the three design pillars.
+ Strong Interaction Design
+ Strong Information Design
+ Strong Graphic Design
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4. Graphic Design 2011
Strong Interaction Design
Site navigation and structure are intuitive, flexible, versatile and highly
usable for all audiences.
+ Start by developing a site map and grid for information architecture and
content organization. Make sure the audience understands the hierarchy
and can easily navigate through.
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5. Graphic Design 2011
Strong Information Design
Site contains content that is informative, current and well-organized.
+ No design will save poor content—be informative and engaging. Be selective
on your wording, this a great opportunity to take advantage of SEOs. Have a
good system for creating and maintaining content. This will allow you to keep
current, organized and ready to make any updates on the fly.
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6. Graphic Design 2011
Strong
Graphical
Design “People ignore
design that
ignores people”
— Frank Chimero
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7. Graphic Design 2011
Strong graphic design is the look and feel
of the site. It may evoke a reaction or merely just be well-created graphics that
enhance the user’s experience. By all means, take advantage of the wide combination
of elements and effects to create this experience.
+ Color
+ Photography and illustration
+ Type treatment
+ Logo usage
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8. Graphic Design 2011
Now... I’m not going to say the trend, in 2011, is the minimalistic
approach in design. In my opinion, it’s all relative. I believe even the minimalistic
approach can be over-saturated. Over-saturation is already everywhere in design
and advertising media. Capturing an audience’s attention quickly is vital for survival.
Below is a list of principles that we adopted from a client, in order to ensure
their success.
Implement these five principles into design.
+ Attract
+ Engage
+ Inform
+ Identify
+ Insentify
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9. Graphic Design 2011
Attract.
First, get noticed. First
impressions are key—
keep it simple. Intice
user to continue on.
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10. Graphic Design 2011
Engage.
Quick—say something
interesting or beneficial
to the audience. Make
them what to know
more.
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11. Graphic Design 2011
Inform.
Now that you captured
their interest, allow the
audience to click
through the site.
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12. Graphic Design 2011
Identify.
Allow the logo to be
clear and present on
the site. Building
awareness and brand
equity is essential.
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13. Graphic Design 2011
Incentify.
The audience is going
to want to know “Why
you and why now?”
Give them a reason to
respond or react,
immediately.
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14. Graphic Design 2011
Concluding thoughts.
The most important graphic design trend for 2011 is simplicity. Don’t get caught
up in all the technology tools and devices, just to get out there. So, whether it’s
pillars or principles, don’t forget the most important basic element:
“Know your audience!”
Trends don’t change people—people change trends.
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15. Graphic Design 2011
Thank you. Adcetera
3000 Louisiana
Houston, Texas 77006
713. 522.8006
adcetera.com
George Salinas
gsalinas@adcetera.com