Shaping Visual Structures

The Art of Composition, Movement, and Space in Graphic Design

Author: Carla Viviana Cordova

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1st June 2026

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Description

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.

The book 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. 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.

About the Author

Carla Viviana Cordova is a graphic design educator and researcher based in Maryland, USA, with over sixteen years of experience. She currently teaches at the Maryland Institute College of Art and Towson University. Carla has authored influential books, including Rapidly Prototyping Interfaces with InDesign (2018), Visual Experiences: A Concise Guide to Interface Design (2017), Web Typography: A Handbook for Graphic Designers (2012), and Type + Code: Processing for Designers (2009), co-authored with Yeohyun Ahn. Through her publications, Carla continues to shape the conversation around design education, practice, and pedagogy, inspiring new generations of designers to think critically and innovate through interdisciplinary collaboration.