Henry Dreyfuss was an American industrial designer who dramatically improved the look, feel, and usability of dozens of consumer products. Unlike his contemporaries, Dreyfuss was not merely a stylist; he applied common sense and a scientific approach to design problems. His work not only popularized the field for public consumption but also made significant contributions to the underlying disciplines of ergonomics, anthropometrics, and human factors. Dreyfuss studied as an apprentice to a theatrical designer before opening his own office, which became an immediate and long-lasting commercial success.
From the first answering machine ("the electronic brain") and the Hoover vacuum cleaner to the SS Independence and the Bell telephone, the creations of Henry S. Dreyfuss have shaped the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Written in a robust, fresh style, this book offers an inviting mix of professional advice, case studies, and design history along with historical black-and-white photos and the author's whimsical drawings. In addition, the author's uncompromising commitment to public service, ethics, and design responsibility makes this masterful guide a timely read for today's designers.
An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols
288 pages
11 hours of reading
This unparalleled reference is a significant achievement in graphic design. Renowned industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss emphasized the importance of symbols for effective communication, leading him and his team to collect and categorize graphic symbols from various aspects of life worldwide. The result is a comprehensive "dictionary" of universally recognized graphic symbols. Designed for practicality, the sourcebook organizes symbol information into cleverly structured sections: Basic Symbols includes a selective array of commonly used symbols (e.g., on-off, up-down). The Disciplines section covers symbols relevant to areas such as travel, agriculture, architecture, business, communications, engineering, photography, sports, safety, and traffic controls. The Color section explains the meanings of colors across different cultures and applications. Graphic Form categorizes symbols by shape (squares, circles, arrows, human figures), facilitating the identification of symbols out of context and aiding designers in creating new ones. To enhance its universality, the Table of Contents features translations of section titles and discipline areas into 17 languages, including English. This sourcebook serves as both a practical tool and an inspiration for designers.
