Graphics design has evolved from ancient cave painting to the digital age. Each timeline has contributed for the development of graphics design by new techniques, technologies and aesthetics. Let’s see the 8 timelines of graphics design ages
- Prehistoric and ancient beginnings- cave painting (30000BC-10000BC) during this time humans started using natural pigments to create art on cave walls mostly showing animals and hunting scenes. In Ancient Civilization (3500BC-500 AD) writing techniques started in different parts of the world, for example Egyptian started Hieroglyphics, Mesopotamians used cuneiform way of writing.
- Medieval Era (500AD- 1400AD)- in this era handwritten books were common to write religious texts.
- The renaissance (1400AD-1600AD)- in 1440 printing press has started by Johannes Gutenberg increasing the production of books, typography and the first use of movable type. In this era different typefaces developed such as Black letter and later Roman typeface, first Italic typeface by Aldus Manutius.
- Baroque to industrial revolution (1600AD-1800AD)- priniting were mechanised, aesthetical and elaborated design started.
- The 19th century- in 1796 and late 1800s, lithography invented by Alois Senefelder which was printing onto flat stone or metal plate, art and crafts movement started by William Morris.
- Early 20th century-Art Nouveau(1890-1910)- using organic , flowing, and abstract patterns. Bahaus and modernism( 1919-1933)- focuses on functionality , simplicity, and uses of sans-serif typefaces. Art Deco(1920s-1930s)- using Geometric shapes, bold colors and luxurious materials.
- Mid to late 20th century- Swiss/International style(1940s-1950s)- using clean, grid-based design like Helvetica fonts designed. Pop art(1950s-1960s)- use of bright color, bold graphics and incorporation of popular culture. Postmodernism(1970s-1990s)-embrace of eclectic style, historical references and playful typography which was against to modernism.
- Digital age(1980s-present)- introduction of personal computers and design software’s like Adobe illustrator and photoshop. Web design and digital media started in 1990s evolving from simple HTML pages to complex interactive web experience. Emergence of UX and UI.
Current trends evolve integration of AI and machine learning tools which led to virtual and augmented reality spaces in graphics design.
