Process
Images of the Inventors
These images were edited to achieve a violet effect, with elements of their inventions incorporated into the background in shades of green or yellow. This design choice adds visual cohesion and highlights the inventors' contributions in a creative and engaging way.
Story formation
I began by gathering detailed information about each inventor, incorporating their cultural and gender experiences, from their education to their careers. Initially, the first draft was straightforward and read more like an encyclopaedia entry, lacking the engagement I was aiming for.
What started as a guide to inventors gradually evolved into a storybook. In an effort to create more engaging content, I experimented with using ChatGPT to transform the text into stories. However, the results felt somewhat idealistic and didn’t quite capture the essence I was looking for. So, I returned to the text, re-writing and paraphrasing it to ensure that it was both informative and captivating for readers.
Conversation with Jennifer Hill
Jennifer Hill from Carolina Press in the USA. Jennifer, a seasoned head of production and design with years of experience mentoring young designers, reached out to me with invaluable guidance as I developed the A-Z Stories of Female Inventors. I was thrilled to collaborate with her and rose to the occasion, ultimately creating a beautifully designed book.
Jennifer made several insightful suggestions that greatly enhanced the final product. She recommended using a sans serif font for either the headings or the body text to create a clear distinction and hierarchy within the design. It was also her idea to dedicate a full page to each letter of the alphabet, making it clear which letter was coming up next.
Additionally, she suggested incorporating drop caps, an element commonly found in traditional storytelling, which I eagerly adopted into the design. Her mentorship was instrumental in delivering a book that was both visually striking and thoughtfully crafted.
Alphabet Page
A dedicated page for each featured letter, incorporating the icon of the invention overlaid on the letter itself. Following this, the layout includes the inventor's image on the left and the corresponding story on the right. All key details, such as the inventor's name and the invention, are prominently displayed on the letter's dedicated page. The story is given a distinct story title, providing a clear reference and narrative structure.
Design choices and why ?
I selected a sans-serif font for the book title and chapter headings to create a setting that is both fun and easy to read. The chapter titles incorporate playful elements, enhancing the overall lively and engaging theme of the book. Initially, I experimented with placing the images of the inventors on the right side and the text on the left (as seen in my "Inventions by Women" formative assessment submission). However, after further consideration and understanding best practices in children's publishing, I decided to place the images on the left, ensuring they face the text. This layout is more intuitive and engaging for young readers.
The inclusion of a drop cap was inspired by a design suggestion from Jennifer, recognising that this is a storybook for children. To create a cohesive design, I used the same rounded rectangle tiles from the cover icons for the drop caps throughout the interior pages. The main text features a serif font, which is common in storybooks and provides a distinct contrast to the sans-serif headings, adding variety to the design. I maintained a consistent colour palette of five colours throughout the book, ensuring the design remains vibrant and dynamic without overwhelming young readers.
Glossary
Considering that this book is designed for children yet suitable for readers of all ages, including a glossary felt like the ideal approach.
It provides valuable information, allowing readers to learn and expand their understanding as they progress through the book.
Product photography
