Lift Education Award for Best Educational Book or Series – Secondary/Tertiary 2024
Finalist
Designer: Anne Taylor, Boulder Bay Design
Title: Gamma Mathematics
Publisher: Edify
Format: 200 x 253 mm, 602pp. Limpbound, section sewn.
The five curriculum strands are colour coded and students can easily open the strand they are working with using the colour on the right of each page and visible when the book is closed.
“The design brief was to make the content fun, attractive and appealing whilst maintaining the requisite amount of structure befitting a serious survey of Mathematics. The student should feel supported by the presentation as for many this subject is challenging, however this must not compromise the serious nature of the topic and the depth and quality of material produced by the author. There should also be a clear visualisation of the pedagogy that provides a consistent presentation of the material through the book.”
Judges’ comments Workbooks are a challenge for a designer — one must manage a gargantuan of material, and present it in a clear and methodical way for a learner to progress through. The Gamma Mathematics workbook handles this with aplomb. The typography is understated, clear, and consistent. Key points of attention are blocked out in colour for the learner, and a clear hierarchy of icons and headings are employed. Each of the areas of mathematics — algebra, numbers, geometry, etc – are differentiated by the use of distinct colour palettes which are carried through their headings, numberings and signposting. The user-friendly design is topped off with clear diagrams, as well as a liberal use of supporting illustrations and photography.
