One of the touchstones of the design world is the unity of form and function. This “big picture / small picture” harmony is an equally crucial lesson for learners of all ages. Whereas art is something we look at, design is something we use everyday. It gives context to content and supports the relationship between the two. Good design of information delivers content that is engaging to the eye without becoming a distraction. It guides our attention through carefully controlled and selected visual components; it retreats to the background, enabling the purpose of the finished product to come forward.

The ubiquity of handheld devices and learning media means that every educator (and student) makes daily choices in how to shape content. The prominence of visual stimuli places a heightened emphasis on the design of information and the broad reach of its effectiveness. The skills of graphicacy help learners see how cognition and perception can have real-world impacts on critical thought and creativity.

• Visual thinking and visual literacy represent crucial tools in a contemporary teacher's toolbox.
• Hands-on applications of visual design practices enhance the value of learning materials and student creations.
• Resources and real-world examples can help educators craft rich learning tools for student engagement.