Shaping Visual Structures

This book takes a deep dive into visual design structures, focusing on the timeless principles of movement, space, and composition. While design tools and technologies continue to change, these core principles remain just as important. Written in a clear and engaging style, it’s perfect for students looking to build their foundation in design, and also a great resource for professionals who want to revisit or sharpen their skills. Shaping Visual Structures goes beyond the basics of design, introducing fresh ideas and approaches. It explores how graphic design is understood through systems, spontaneity, and contrast, and shows how abstract concepts can be turned into visuals that are easy to understand. Just like early humans used cave paintings to tell stories, today’s design can communicate powerful messages through abstraction and creativity. Later chapters explore how visual design has evolved with technology, including the impact of Moore’s Law (the observation that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles roughly every two years). This opens up new ways of thinking about space and design, encouraging readers to think outside the box and consider new possibilities for how we interact with visual elements. As we look ahead to the possibility of communicating across the universe and discovering new worlds, visual design will play an even bigger role. With over 7,000 languages spoken around the world, we need universal visual systems that everyone can understand. This book offers a glimpse into the future of design, where visual systems and symbols will help bridge gaps and bring people together in new ways. Written, designed and edited by Carla Viviana Cordova Published by BIS Publishers, 2026 Softcover, 180 pages, full color, 6.5 × 9 inches ISBN: 978-9-06-369909-3