Revolutionizing Math Education: The Gae-yu Workbook

Jaehun Kim and Sanghyun An's Innovative Design Approach to Math Learning

Kim and An's inspiration for the Gae-yu workbook stemmed from the desire to create a design with impact. They chose to use circles, the most stable shape in mathematics, to convey a sense of completeness. The mysterious color texture added inside the circle expresses the brand essence of Gae-yu, 'synergy up'. The covers of the math concept and drills were designed with semicircles of different colors and directions, creating a unique color combination when combined as a set.

The Gae-yu workbook is unique in its design and functionality. It consists of two books as a set, allowing students to study the concepts and drills of mathematics organically and conveniently. The drills are classified into Lite, Power, and Top levels based on difficulty, and are modularized with the Concept so learners can use it according to their level. This usability is easily communicated through the cover image structure.

The workbook was bound using temporary adhesive, allowing it to be easily separated from the outer cover but conveniently handled during the distribution process. It was designed to let students study using two books at a reasonable price. The books can be separated and opened side by side, and either one can be separated and carried along according to the need. The design was printed on an art paper with matte coating, and a glittering transparent hologram was placed over to emphasize the design with the mysterious look that comes from the difference in textures.

The Gae-yu workbook was developed by Visang, an educational publishing company that has been developing innovative educational contents for better learning since 2002. The workbook has been sold for over 400,000 copies per year, and has reached accumulated sales of 25 million copies since its publication. It is Korea's top mathematics workbook, preferred for its effect of organic learning between math concept and drills.

The design of the Gae-yu workbook faced many challenges. It had to combine functionality and beauty at the same time, so the design had to be simple and intuitive. After 8 months of hard work, the design that embraces the features of Gae-yu through separation and combination of circular graphic motif was developed. The design was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.