The document provides an overview of the history and principles of graphic design. It discusses early examples of visual communication from cave paintings to the invention of writing systems. Key developments included Johannes Gutenberg's printing press and the establishment of typography. The document outlines important typefaces and designers that advanced principles like functionality, simplicity and optical spacing. It explores concepts such as dynamic planes, space, and the work of designers like Josef Muller-Brockman, László Moholy-Nagy, Paul Rand and Saul Bass that helped establish graphic design as an art form.