eDesign, Issue 4

Issue 4 of eDesign examined the links between interactive design and entertainment, looking at designers and companies that create immersive experiences in online games, educational sites and other interactive ventures. The cover story focused on Nintendo and its success at developing games under the direction of an artist, Shigeru Miyamoto, rather than a programmer.

Introduced in 2002, eDesign was a pioneering publication that anticipated the evolution of design from print to digital media. Li’l Robin’s Anke Stohlmann was the magazine’s founding art director, establishing a strong brand and graphic system for the bi-monthly publication. Conceived for an audience of interactive designers, eDesign was a must-have printed piece for a community married to the digital realm. According to Howard Cadel, eDesign’s publisher (at RC Publications), “The biggest challenge (was) the difficulty in showing on a printed page material that is better presented interactively.”

Our solution was to design the magazine as a two-dimensional translation of web aesthetics, with crystal clear navigation and distinctive icons identifying sections. Colorful illustrations adorned the cover and feature well, giving the reader additional entry points into each story. Sidebars accommodated different levels of readers’ expertise. The magazine’s innovative design was honored with Gold and Silver medals from the Society for Publication Designers.

• Other eDesign Issues

  Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7

• Related Projects

  Catalyst, Metropolis, The New York Times Book Review

• Tags

  Branding, Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Magazines, Publishing, Start-Up

• Credits

  Design: Anke Stohlmann, Charisse Gibilisco and Sarah Hollowood
  Edit: Katherine Nelson, Rich Hoxsey, Ariana Donalds and Chris Brock