Graphic design isn’t exempt from the fact that its improvements were tied to technology. Back in the day, people were using manual tools or machines to create marketing material. Today, we can choose from an arsenal of graphic design tools.
One of the most important technologies that influenced the improvements in graphic design was circuit boards. They directly impacted the innovation regarding personal computers and drawing tablets.
This article will cover the evolution of circuit boards and how they impact the lives and workflows of graphic designers. While it’s never been easier to start with graphic design, this industry has gone a long way.
Evolution of graphic design through electronic advancements
The early days of what we call graphic design relied heavily on physical tools and manual processes like typesetting and hand-rendering. The introduction of typesetting machines enabled faster, more precise work, especially in publishing, where the ability to lay out text quickly was revolutionary.
However, that era was still analog. In the past century, advancements in electronics led to the development of personal computers, which revolutionized graphic design. The hardware advancements of GPUs, graphic tablets, input devices, and better displays played a significant role in making graphic design easier and more approachable.
Modern displays have high resolution, impressive color depth, and rapid refresh rates, all of which allow the designer to work with accuracy and detail previously unavailable. Compared to the early days of computer monitors, artists can now deliver more consistent designs across mediums.
Similarly to modern displays, graphic tablets play an important role in the life of designers. They allow them to have a physical sense of their drawing tool by having a pencil-like device. This technology replicates the feel of making physical drawings.
But, of course, digital art created by tablets can be easily mass-produced, shared, and published. In the context of graphic design itself, graphic tablets have the features of shading, varying line weight, and texture creation. The possibilities in the digital world are hard to replicate in the physical, and fixing your mistakes is much easier.
In terms of electronics itself, we can observe a significant development in graphic cards, or GPUs. But, of course, CPUs can be just as important in graphic design. Powerful GPUs and CPUs allow the artist to work without lag and in 3D and high-resolution formats.
While these parts weren’t as sophisticated as they are today, they had a lot of flaws in graphic design, and the experience wasn’t as streamlined as it is today. Modern processors enable real-time editing and manipulation of large files, while advanced graphics cards ensure smooth rendering of 3D images, animations, and complex visual effects
Software innovations in graphic design driven by electronic advancements
Stronger hardware led to more complex software. With a more powerful CPU or a GPU, computers were able to run better and more precise programs that provided graphic designers with more features.
The rise of software capable of handling both vector and raster graphics, like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, has expanded designers’ creative control. Vector graphics software relies on mathematical calculations for lines and curves, enables infinite scalability of designs, and advanced hardware was required for this to be possible.
Raster programs like the previous examples are commonly used for logo and branding design, but they are used basically everywhere. From designing flyers up to game development and 3D printing. Raster programs allow for pixel-level editing, essential for detailed photo retouching, texture work, and realistic effects.
Our PCs also allow us to create industry-level 3D models and animations. Without the latest lines of circuit boards, this couldn’t be possible. The popularity and ease of use of software such as Blender and Autodesk Maya is largely due to the increased processing power of modern PCs.
These tools allow designers to create intricate 3D objects, animations, and virtual spaces, used extensively in film, gaming, and virtual reality. In the past, 3D design and creating complex animations was mainly reserved for large corporations that had an extensive budget.
Another field in which electronics have a major impact and which directly impacts graphic design is AI. AI and ML algorithms are now integrated into design software, enabling advanced features.
For example, automated image recognition allows users to find sources for images. Furthermore, image recognition is used to train AI models, allowing them to recreate similar images in the future.
The ethics of creating AI art are widely discussed, but we’re yet to see its impact. Other important features include intelligent cropping and design suggestions. With such tools at their disposal, even less talented graphic designers will be able to create great art.
On the other hand, great experts in this profession will be able to automatize tedious tasks while focusing on the more important aspects of design.
Graphic design and advanced technology
As technology advances, so too does the potential for innovation in graphic design. Advanced technology has opened the door to new design mediums, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
These mediums allow the individual to experience an immersed and unique experience. However, there are limitations to VR and AR as strong hardware and software, and experienced designers are required to create such art and models.
With advancements in electronics, all industries that depend on technology will grow, improve, and foster innovation as well. With better software for 3D modeling, for example, we’ll be able to experience more realistic and better video games.
In the same manner, CGI technology has come a long way in the past few decades. Movies could be incomparably more immersive and enjoyable than they were in 3D cinema. While these two examples are in entertainment, we can also mention branding and design.
Graphic design software can be leveraged to create multimedia content and experience for clients and customers. Other advancements, such as cloud technology, also help designers collaborate and create more efficiently.
In addition to VR and AR, quantum computing holds promise for the future of graphic design. This technology is still in it’s early days, but there’s a possibility that quantum computing will open doors for various new improvements.
Quantum computing has the potential to process massive amounts of data at unimaginable speeds, which could enable designers to work with complex simulations and models in real time. This could lead to unprecedented levels of creativity and detail.
PCB impact on graphic design hardware development
Printed circuit boards are one of the most important technologies for modern graphic design. PCBs allow graphic cards to function the way they do. They enable the miniaturization and compact structure of today’s electronic devices, such as PCs and laptops.
These circuits allow companies to develop smaller and lighter devices without them loosing on their capabilities. This has been a game-changer in the industry, especially for individuals who prefer laptops and remote work over computers.
High-performance PCBs allow designers to use real-time rendering and complex 3D modeling without performance slowdowns, a significant improvement over earlier hardware. Great PCB manufacturers such as WellPCB play a crucial role in the continued advancement of graphic design hardware.
What’s important is that these companies also offer consumer-grade PCBs that allow individuals to experiment in their environment. This is an important aspect of innovation, and many great businesses, such as Apple, started by toying around with electronics.
Electronic technology is essential for advancements in graphic design
The impact of electronics on graphic design cannot be overstated. From hardware to software, each advancement in electronic technology has propelled the graphic design field forward. As a graphic designer, there’s no need to know about complex digital circuits in order to be great in your profession.
On the other hand, understanding the electronics and how certain technology, like GPUs, drawing tablets, and monitors work, can help you create more optimal processes for your workflow.
The advancements that took graphic design from physical to digital space took decades and brought a new dimension to this industry. We’re yet to see what future innovations, including quantum computing, sustainable PCBs, and AI-driven tools, are going to bring us, and their impact could be significant.