Silver Print and Published Media Design · 2021
Refracting Reality Book Design
- A' Design Award 2021 Silver Winner in Print and Published Media Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Art Center College of Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 36,119
- Verification code 2694825DA2 · Verify this award
About Refracting Reality Book Design
Refracting Reality is a book about light and human perception. The book explores four characteristics of light: refraction, reflection, diffraction and interference. These qualities are expressed through typography and images across 368 pages. Coated and uncoated papers were selected to support different impressions of light. A solid prism is held in the book spine and can be removed by the reader. With the prism, readers can observe the behavior of light directly and interact with the printed images.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The book expressed light characteristics: Refraction, Reflection, Diffraction, and Interferer through typography and imageries. The light experience was considered in the book's materials, such as coated paper, uncoated paper, and a solid prism. The prism of the book spine was used to manifest the perception of light.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- W8.5" x D1.75" x H11.75", 368 pages
- Tags
- Book Design, Editorial Design, Typography, Transmedia Design
- Production Technology
- The book was printed with the Epson P600 inkjet printer and using the Red River paper. Coated paper and uncoated paper were used for inner pages and the prism was used as a book's spine accessory.
- Design Challenge
- To create a 368-page book designed from extensive research on a chosen topic. Not only design a book but also curate the contents, edit and create a compelling narrative for readers to experience the book extensively.
- Project Duration
- The project started in January 2019 in Pasadena and finished in April 2010 in Pasadena.
- Operation Flow
- Prism can be taken out of the book spine and readers can experience traits of light such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and Interfere by using the actual prism. They can also interact with the book because a lot of imageries were curated considering this interaction.
- Research
- In modern society, light is commonly used as a medium throughout a lot of screen time and various screen types. The designer wants to understand deeply the history of how humans started using light and what metaphors light has been bringing to humanity throughout centuries.
Not only looking at light as an art medium but also looking at the different meanings of light brings different cultures and religions in history. Different perspectives that humans observed light was the interesting context of the research for this project. - Inspiration
- Light has been the main part of our world since the beginning of time. Humans have learned to use light to tell stories, relate, experience, and communicate. This book questions our perception of the world by examining the light through different forms of expression.
- Image Credits
- Photographer: Kevin Martin