The Evolution And Innovation Of German "Novum" Magazine

In 1924, Dr. Frenzel firstly initiated 《Novum》 magazine in Berlin, Germany. The original name of the magazine was 《Gebrauchsgraphik》, and during the Nazi period, the publication had been suspended. In 1971, the magazine changed its name into 《Novum Gebrauchsgraphik》, and 《Novum》 in 1996.For more than ninety years, 《Novum》 has honestly recorded the history of German, or even international, modern and contemporary graphic design. With thousands of delicate magazine covers and pictures, the publication has been an invaluable source of research, demonstrating a meticulous observation of designers all around the world and also their artistic creations.Consisting of four sections, this dissertation will provide a thorough study of 《Novum》 The first section gives a detailed account of the domestic and international context under which the magazine was created, and also the characteristics of the magazine drawn from its historical background. Secondly, the dissertation continues to focus on the commercial and social value of 《Novum》, demonstrated by its cover design. With new technology, the magazine has shown great foresight and creativity in stimulating the development of printing industry. In the final section, the dissertation turns to summarize the historical and realistic experience exemplified by 《Novum》, and explains how the magazine gradually becomes the most successful case in graphic design industry. By doing so, this dissertation aims to provoke new thoughts for and provide assistance to current graphic designers and professionals.