Kim and Yoo's inspiration for the design stemmed from a desire to make math and science more accessible and engaging for students. They sought to create a strong presence in the textbook market by incorporating interesting materials and visual expressions into their designs. For instance, they turned mathematical signs into fun illustrations to make complex concepts more digestible.
What sets these textbooks apart is their unique cover designs that highlight each subject's identity, thereby enhancing Visang's brand value. The designers used textures and motifs, such as signs, to express the series' progression from middle school to high school. They also opted for a lighter and brighter design to reduce the perceived burden of studying.
The realization of these designs involved careful consideration of user experience. Kim and Yoo chose a white background and simple design to avoid the confusion often caused by overly colorful study materials. They also used different line shapes to distinguish between middle school and high school textbooks. Despite being designed for public education and thus requiring cost-effectiveness, the covers feature spot color and embossing effects to effectively express their design features.
The design process was not without its challenges. Striking a balance between pleasing authors, students, and teachers was a significant hurdle, given their varying age groups and preferences. However, through extensive verification and development, the designers managed to create a design that appeals to all stakeholders.
These textbooks are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they are also functional. The designers changed the coating method to minimize damage and altered the size for better portability in backpacks. These changes have significantly improved user satisfaction.
The Visang textbook design project, which ran from March to July 2017, is a testament to the power of design in enhancing learning experiences. By combining visual appeal with educational effectiveness, Kim and Yoo have created a product that not only stands out in the market but also makes learning more enjoyable for students.
Project Designers: VISANG
Image Credits: VISANG Textbook Cover Image #1, VISANG Textbook Cover Image #2, VISANG Textbook Cover Image #3, VISANG Textbook Cover Image #4, VISANG Textbook Cover Image #5
Project Team Members: Creative Director:KYOUNGMI YOO
Designer:SANGHYUN AN
Designer:SEYEON JEONG
Designer:SEONMI SEO
Designer:KYUNGHEE KIM
Designer:JISOO KIM
Project Name: Visang Math Science
Project Client: VISANG