You’re already on the path, but may I recommend Robin Williams’ “The Non-Designer’s Design Book”? I pretty much tell anyone who makes the mistake of standing still in my vicinity for too long. It’s like graphic design 101 in an easy, conversational (and funny) essay.
It’s amazing how information management is not considered enough. I like that you look at it through the lens of the reader—opposed to just someone using the book as a reference
Information management is not enough. Maybe. I bet for many readers the moves I discuss in the post won’t make or break their experience.
I think that we receive information in a very automatic way (maybe not effortless, but automatic still).
Yet, you have to use different muscles/different techniques when you give information. I would argue, in fact, that “seeing from your reader’s point of view” is the most difficult part of writing.
Curently creating content for Shadowdark and focusing on solo content and supplements! Also wanting to explore another systems for solo play like Kal arath and cloud empress!
A great read. I don’t think I will be looking at a book again in the same way now. It’s surprising how subtle changes can influence the subconscious and make the same text somehow more readable and memorable.
Really interesting. Some great examples of the concepts that I think really work. But I can't be the only one who didn't have a bad or worse experience reading that first one on the left compared to the right. The left worked perfectly.
I mean, besides the widow word, it could be argued that none of my left side examples are breaking any publishing “rules.”
Over the years I’ve found what I like to see in a layout, and that was what I wanted to share.
All of my “bad” examples could provide a positive reading experience. But… I do think that they each create different experiences. And it’s good to be aware of that as a writer/designer.
You’re almost certainly right. I’m a reader. I’m not a designer. My daughter is a graphic designer. She’d show me examples like this. Sometimes I didn’t get it, but there were plenty of examples that totally made sense.
Thank you for such a great article. As a graphic designer most of it is basic, but you explained everything so well. I liked the importance of get headers. It seems so basic and yet gets overlooked.
You’re already on the path, but may I recommend Robin Williams’ “The Non-Designer’s Design Book”? I pretty much tell anyone who makes the mistake of standing still in my vicinity for too long. It’s like graphic design 101 in an easy, conversational (and funny) essay.
It was already in my “save for later” list on Amazon!
I have to get it now, right?
Thanks!
Instant bookmark
It’s amazing how information management is not considered enough. I like that you look at it through the lens of the reader—opposed to just someone using the book as a reference
Information management is not enough. Maybe. I bet for many readers the moves I discuss in the post won’t make or break their experience.
I think that we receive information in a very automatic way (maybe not effortless, but automatic still).
Yet, you have to use different muscles/different techniques when you give information. I would argue, in fact, that “seeing from your reader’s point of view” is the most difficult part of writing.
Thanks for the kind words!
Overwhelmed and inspired. Poetic approach to graphic design, and I am enamored
So much amazing advices! For a new and beginner lone wolf creator this is gold! Thank you!
Thanks!
What are you working on?
Curently creating content for Shadowdark and focusing on solo content and supplements! Also wanting to explore another systems for solo play like Kal arath and cloud empress!
Let me know when you get an Itch or DriveThruRPG set up!
Oh i have an itch!! https://codexgigaspress.itch.io/
A great read. I don’t think I will be looking at a book again in the same way now. It’s surprising how subtle changes can influence the subconscious and make the same text somehow more readable and memorable.
This is high praise! Thank you.
It’s crazy isn’t it? Creators are making these subtle moves all the time around us. It’s a subject/approach I love to explore.
Really interesting. Some great examples of the concepts that I think really work. But I can't be the only one who didn't have a bad or worse experience reading that first one on the left compared to the right. The left worked perfectly.
Valid point!
I mean, besides the widow word, it could be argued that none of my left side examples are breaking any publishing “rules.”
Over the years I’ve found what I like to see in a layout, and that was what I wanted to share.
All of my “bad” examples could provide a positive reading experience. But… I do think that they each create different experiences. And it’s good to be aware of that as a writer/designer.
Thanks for reading!
You’re almost certainly right. I’m a reader. I’m not a designer. My daughter is a graphic designer. She’d show me examples like this. Sometimes I didn’t get it, but there were plenty of examples that totally made sense.
wow, very very subtle and informative! thank you!
A very helpful read, lots of details I wouldn't necessarily notice but do effect the overall reading experience!
I really like this. Nice job. I'd definitely be down to read more.
Thanks!
I started a list of stuff I’ve been learning/discovering about format and layout… and it keeps growing. I’ll probably make another post like this.
That's an area I'd like to know more about.
Thank you for such a great article. As a graphic designer most of it is basic, but you explained everything so well. I liked the importance of get headers. It seems so basic and yet gets overlooked.
Thanks!
It is basic stuff, but I’m a beginner—just sharing what I’ve learned so far.
As someone with more experience in graphic design… is there a formatting or layout move/detail that you would suggest I cover in a future post?
You're welcome. Sadly I don't have any suggestions at the moment my day job and my girls got my head fried at the moment.
Oh man! I get it. My two have me spinning, too!
It’s all good!
Thank you for being understanding.
Thanks thanks thanks!!! I am editing the second edition of my rulebook and this post is pure gold!!!
I'm sending this to my wife, errrr, editor, I meant editor, as she goes over the playtest version of my new game before I send it out into the world.