I predominantly design textbook covers and interiors. In general, I view design as problem solving and completing a 1,000-piece puzzle at the same time.
An expert writes a manuscript on a subject and it needs to be packaged in a way that the student can effectively learn the content. As a designer, I have to fit the text with pictures, drawings, charts, anything the content needs, but keep it visually compelling and, most importantly, keep the student in mind. If the design looks nice but doesn’t convey the information effectively, the student can’t learn the subject. All those things have to come together in book design to complete the puzzle.