More than meets the eye

More than meets the eye

Outstanding designs that showcase creativity and practicality

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Design is not just about creativity. Good design also means functionality and practicality.

Graphic Candy AllRightsReserved Publishing 250 pages ISBN: 978-988-179-7148 1,195 baht Available at Asia Books

Graphic Candy offers design ideas that are sweet for the eyes and create a strong visual impact. The 250-page volume also presents various design concepts that are not just practical but also challenge the limits of the materials used and at the same time engage viewers' interaction.

Featuring over 150 eye-candy graphic ideas from designers and design companies around the world, the book is a pleasurable read even if you are not working in the graphic design industry.

Many of the design ideas presented in the book are from Japan - a country full of inspiration and creativity. Many of the Japanese designs are incredibly clever and functional. Oboetokei, for example, is a paper memo in the shape of an analogue wristwatch. To remind you to do a certain task at a certain time, you draw the hands on the blank watch face to indicate the specific time and then you jot down your scheduled activity on the paper wristband. The silent but visible reminder was the winner of the 2009 Iris Oyama Student Design Competition.

Another simple but impressive design product is Wordless Wrap. Basically it's writable giftwrap paper printed with the classic word-search game that allows you to circle the word you need to match the occasion of the gift giving. It's not just creative, it also eliminates the need for a gift card.

Other interesting ideas include the "Deng On" memo collection from a Japanese designer that allows you to write a reminder by laser cutting the shapes of animals, buildings and so forth.

When you slip the memo into the gaps on your computer keyboard, the message stands out in front of you rather than being buried under piles of work.

Some party and fashion show invitation cards are so full of nice design ideas that you do not want to throw them away after the event takes place.

The Louis Vuitton Homme Autumn/Winter 2012 Fashion Show invitation that featured a pop-up Eiffel Tower and Japan's Tokyo Tower to represent the historic and ongoing dialogue between the two fashion cities as well as the Isola Marras Spring/Summer 2011 invitation card that can be folded into a decorative Moroccan fan might be worth some space on the shelves that house your collectibles.

In all, even if your job has nothing to do with graphic design, this book is, as its name suggests, a real treat for your eyes. Or if you are either a professional or amateur designer, Graphic Candy might well inspire you with many great design ideas that mean not just creativity but also utility.

This window display by Takashimaya store in Osaka, Japan, features a dress made out of uninflated balloons alongside the same dress made out of inflated balloons, visualising the circulatory process from winter to spring and spring to winter.

A creative way to promote Milan Design Week —a USB stick in the shape of a french fry attached to the designer’s card and a map of the exhibition.

Musical comb business card from MODhair, a invitation card. rock ‘n’ roll hair salon in Rome, winner of the Ads Of The World Awards.

Oboetokei—a silent but visible reminder by Mika Tsutai.

Invitation for the Louis Vuitton Homme Autumn/Winter 2012 show.

Isola Marras Spring/ Summer 2011 invitation card.

Deng On memo collection by Hi Mojimoji.

Wordless Wrap—Universal Wrapping Paper by Fabio Milito and Francesca Guidotti.

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