Give the students a list of "graphic design things" that they must find in the world around them. The purpose is to show that graphic design is found in more places than we may think. Also, this is a good ice-breaker resource for developing vocabulary and technical learning.

To make the activity more challenging, the students may not use the internet, books, magazines, or newspapers. They must either take a picture of what they find, or describe it in writing. A time limit is set. At the end of the activity, each student presents what they found and why they think it fits the criteria.

See the example list below...

Here's a list that I have already started. Can you help me think of some more? ...

Serif Typeface

Sans-Serif Typeface

Design not created using a computer/printer

High contrast

Low contrast

Instructions that do not use words

Very very small lettering

Very very large lettering

Implied line

Circular design

Triangular design

Gradation of colors or values

Design in another language

Design that moves

Tactile design (something you can feel or touch)

Visual cue that uses color

Visual cue that uses contrast

Visual cue that uses alignment

Something silkscreen printed

Something offset or digitally printed

Design that is older than you

Technical illustration

Photomontage

Design that uses more than three typefaces

Design intended to make you feel happy

Design intended to make you feel afraid

Design intended to make you purchase something

A picture with words

Lettering created without using ink or paint

Sign that was painted/drawn by hand

Thick lines

Thin lines

Broken lines

Implied texture (visual texture)

Design displayed electronically

Design that uses three styles of alignment (Left, Right, Centered, or Justified)

Reverse type

Perfect bound book or magazine

Casewrapped book

Stitched book or magazine

Something embossed

A logo that does not contain words