Basics Graphic Design 03: Idea Generation

Successful visual outcomes can only be arrived at through the generation of great ideas, driven by research that will ultimately provide the designer with a range of potential design solutions. Basics Graphic Design 03: Idea Generation explores the different ways in which the designer can generate ideas. Consideration is given to audience, context and materials as well as to the many levels of idea generation, from the macro to the micro, from brainstorming to more focused, selective and strategic systems.
Basics Graphic Design 03: Idea Generation explores the many ways in which the designer can generate ideas and develop them into successful design solutions.

Neil Leonard is Associate Head of Department, Design Communication at the University of the West of England. He was formerly Programme Leader for Graphic Design at Plymouth College of Art, UK. He is the founder of Design Your Career and runs bespoke conferences and workshops for emerging designers about building their careers and businesses.

As a freelancer he has worked with a number of private clients and design agencies on projects that include branding, publishing, web design, and advertising.. As an educator, he has worked on employability initiatives that have involved working closely with industry to ensure students have a wide array of opportunities awaiting them upon graduation.

Gavin Ambrose is an author, educator and practicing graphic designer whose client base includes the art sector, galleries, publishers and advertising agencies. He has written and designed numerous books on graphic design, branding and packaging.

He currently teaches the Graphic Design BA at the University of Brighton.

"Clear, concise and comprehensive, with focused exercises and examples throughout, Idea Generation serves as a great introduction to the world of creative and lateral thinking." --Graham Jones, Loose Collective

"For lecturers and students that believe ideas are fundamental building blocks of effective visual communication, Idea Generation will to be an essential accompaniment to first year undergraduate study." --Nigel Ball, University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich, UK

"Another strong publication in the 'Basics' series, Idea Generation packs a lot of useful information into a manageable format. There are sections of interest for all three years of our BA(Hons) Graphic Design programme, but it feels particularly useful to final year students who are giving increasing thought to their transition from education to industry." --Philip Thomas, Swansea Metropolitan University