Design out of necessity: an analysis of graphic content of chosen activity books.

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to focus on design out of necessity in the context of a selection of activity books. There is no solid coverage of this topic widely available, therefore, the study attempts to gather a range of ideas within a single analysis. As a consequence, the study first introduces and discusses the general understanding of the terms design out of necessity and activity book, and further on, it analysis the graphic content of seven selected publications, in order to apply these terms to the existing examples. The thesis draws attention to the need for design to solve social and political problems, overcome physical obstacles, or to raise quality of life. It also puts in the spotlight the fact that design out of necessity may take both individual and wider approach. in addition, an outline of historical and cultural aspects will be provided, concerning the notions of problem solving. Furthermore, social responsibility of design is also discussed. The introductory part also defines differences between the availability of activity books and it reveals a lack of solid definition for this type of publications, finally attempting to create a basis for a suitable description. The next part consists of an analysis of the graphic content of seven chosen activity books, both for children and adults, and aims at providing tangible results for the study. A selection of international publications is analysed with regards to chosen features, which include: graphic overview, typography, illustrations, colour and navigation. Nevertheless, some of the descriptions of the mentioned features balance on the overall atmosphere and feeling of the publication, rather than concrete characteristics. The findings of this research are further discussed throughout the study. They reveal that the analysed set of activity books provides valuable examples of the mechanism that a need can be the driving force for design. Furthermore, the graphic content of the publications falls within the notions of design out of necessity, by complying with the general goals that the books were created for. The results underline the fact that, although each of the books was created with a different aim, they all serve the purpose to respond to certain needs. in this context, a product derived from necessity, comes into existence with a specific goal and its design should comply with this aim in the most effective way. In conclusion, the analysis of seven selected publications reveals a number of connections between the visual graphics that contain social, educational, behavioural and motivational aspects. Furthermore, it is stated that through textual and visual content, the presented activity books provide certain solutions to the issues they attempt to address, and therefore, comply with the described features of design out of necessity. The concluding remarks state that the researched publications were created on the assumptions that activities they consist of are a tool in hands of the user. Due to this, the user can identify a certain problem and find a solution. What is more, this naturally connects with the fact that design out of necessity is part of socially-responsible design and plays an effective role in providing positive change. Because of this, the social aspect in context of activity books touches upon the issues that are often socially challenging. Therefore, it is necessary for their graphic content to correspond and complement the textual part, in order to provide a coherent whole.