Top Ten Findings

 

1. The physical copy is making a comeback. Most designers now use the idea of “luxury” books to interest the reader or collector in purchasing the physical copy. These books are usually hardback and celebrate design by using techniques such as foil-printing or adopting unusual textures and materials.
2. I also discovered new effects, which can be used on the physical book, that I didn't think were possible. For example, a glow in the dark book and a book that comes with 3D glasses.
3. Books that make use of their physicality by being unusual and interesting in their design appeal both to children and adults.
4. Many designers said that ebooks were not that limiting to design for. Joe McLaren, for example, said, “Any limitations imposed by digital books will be outweighed by new freedoms and possibilities. I'm already having to engage with briefs that demand illustrations that move slightly, almost unnoticed.”
5. These physical techniques are being used to interest modern audiences in classic books. For example, the Planet of the Apes has been designed to work on a 3D level, with included glasses inside the book.
6. You can include fun items inside a book to interact with the cover. For example, with a recent redesign for the Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy stickers could be found inside the book. You can then make your own cover by using these stickers!
7. All the designers I interviewed preferred matte over gloss. See more here.
8. The front and back of the book can be connected in their design to create something fun and interesting. For example, the design can start on the front and continue on the back. This couldn't be done with an ebook.
9. Texture is also something that can be played with. This also encourages the viewer to pick up the book to feel the cover.
10. The general consensus of research and artist interviews was that, though the ebook is definitely growing in popularity, the physical copy is still being purchased. Designers have found new ways to encourage people to buy the physical copy and I find this to be a very good thing.