Current Research Overview

In my research so far, I have discovered more than I thought possible in terms of making the most of the physical copy of a book. I had no idea that so many designers were exploring this method already and therefore the results of my research have been very encouraging.

In terms of primary research, illustrators and designers tend to have both good and bad things to say about ebooks. Many designers thrilled that the digital book is getting more people into reading, while they also say that ebooks are not necessarily limiting to design for. One of the most interesting comments I received came from Joe McLaren, who 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. Imagine reading a horror story on an iPad late at night, and suddenly the curtain in a small illustration which you've barely looked at for the last three minutes flutters in the wind quite unexpectedly- wonderful stuff!”

However, I can't help but feel like there is more to play with in terms of the physical book and I certainly think my research backs this up. I have discovered books that come with 3D glasses, that come with stickers so that you can create your own cover, book covers that glow in the dark, books that are foiled and embossed, books (such as Jim Tierney's Jules Verne’s series and the Ology series) that can be touched and played with, books that come with decorative slip jackets and book designs that further the story by using their physicality.

When walking into a bookstore, I have noticed that so many graphic designers are employing these techniques when redesigning older books. For example, see my blog posts about the Planet of the Apes redesign, about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy redesign etc. It seems that designers are trying to make these books appeal to a modern audience and trying to find new fans for the books. And they do this by creating something so unique. For example, in terms of the former book, by introducing 3D glasses and for the latter, including stickers. This is something I have considered, for I plan to focus my redesign on the gothic genre, most of which are old, classic books.

In fact, to further my research I plan to look at successful book jackets designed for gothic stories, even if they do not make the most of the book's physicality. I would also like to visit a book shop again and take a lot at new designs and what appears to be popular. Not only that, but I would like to interview more designers and ask their opinions about such matters.