Working from an application-oriented approach, Effective Graphic Design introduces projects first and covers design concepts and tools as they're needed. The authors draw direct comparisons between a "before" and an "after" version of each project, presenting the weak design along with the first designer's markups. The designer then discusses the flaws and solutions in a brief narrative and offers his or her revised version. Every page includes highlighted key terms that direct students to the book's extended glossary. By highlighting specific flaws, contrasting them alongside their corrections, and focusing on solutions, this unique text helps students readily understand design principles and grasp their applications.