BOOK DESIGN
CONCEPT / ART DIRECTION / DESIGN / LAYOUT /
TYPOGRAPHY / PICTURE EDITOur objective was to develop a unique offering distinct from the renowned Eyewitness series at DK. We aimed to revolutionise the presentation of information by showcasing everything at once, making facts come alive in a captivating and visually impressive manner. Moving away from traditional cut-outs on a white background, we embraced an editorial format inspired by classic encyclopedias yet delivered with a fresh, intriguing treatment. This approach allowed us to create an innovative and dynamic learning experience that captures the imagination.
Following the success of this main book, the concept was expanded into a series of individual titles. These subsequent books, while more focused in scope, maintained the same approach at a lesser extent, allowing readers to explore specific topics in greater detail.
The concept behind the cover was to evoke an overwhelming sense of the vast information contained within the book. We achieved this through the use of thousands of small images arranged meticulously on a grid. This design choice symbolises the comprehensive coverage of topics, while the grid format imposes order and structure, transforming potential chaos into a visually harmonious display.
The cover concept was made possible by DK’s vast image library, as we ensured only DK-owned images were used to keep costs down.
The cover features a paper-laminated case (PLC) with the bold title "WOW!" intricately die-cut through the board, revealing a shimmering silver Mylar beneath the letters. This striking design element not only captures attention but also enhances the visual impact, echoing the book's theme of discovery and wonder.
For the new edition, we streamlined production costs by replacing the die-cut and Mylar elements with holographic foil blocking, lending a modern and gift-worthy aesthetic to the cover. Additionally, we enhanced the book's shelf presence by repeating the title along the spine, ensuring it makes a striking impact when displayed spine-out.