Task 1: exploration

Yousef Elwakil (0379720)                           GCD 60804 / Design Principles/ Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (HONS) / Taylors University 

Table of Contents

• Task 1- Exploration
• Task recap
• Design Principles 
• Selected Design 
• Reason for selected design 
• Design principles observed 
• Lecturers feedback 
• Reflection 

Introduction: Elements and Principles of Design.

The fundamentals of design in the introductory lecture are basically the building blocks under which visual compositions are made. These elements are significant to understand since they establish the basis of the designs in terms of construction and interpretation.

Elements of Design

1. Point

The most basic aspect of design is a point. Repeated points or points that are organized may form lines or patterns.

2. Line

Lines could be in various forms - could be dynamic or quiet, could be violent or subtle. They assist in providing a sense of direction, determining forms and spaces, indicating motion, and even evoking emotional impact. Patterns, textures, and shading may also be made using lines.

3. Shape

Shapes are meant to be used as closed two-dimensional spaces generated by lines or differences in colour, texture, or value. The shapes may be broadly classified into geometric (accurate and detailed) and organic (uneven and more natural-like).

4. Form

Form is, in essence, the 3 dimensional form of shape. When space is enclosed in a form, it forms a volume. Form plays a significant role, particularly in sculpture, architecture, and product design.

5. Texture

The texture is associated with the feel of a surface or the visual feel of the surface. It may be either a real texture that is felt physically or a virtual texture created on sight.

6. Space

Space is the surrounding or within of the design elements. It may either be positive space (occupied space) or negative space (empty space). The use of space is proper to arrange layouts and enhance clarity.

7. Colour

Colour is generated when light is reflected off surfaces, and it is viewed by our eyes. It can be defined in three key ways, namely hue (the kind of colour), value (lightness or darkness), and intensity or saturation (brightness or purity of the colour).

Topic 1: Contrast & Gestalt Theory.

Contrast

Contrast refers to placing very different elements next to each other. This helps create visual interest, highlight important information, and make the overall design more engaging.

Gestalt Theory

Gestalt theory is concerned with people who naturally perceive visual information. The concept of Gestalt, or form/shape in German, translates to the inclination of our brains to form patterns out of the visual information instead of perceiving them as discrete portions.

1. Principle of Similarity

The similarities between elements tend to be viewed as parts of one, even when the elements are not in contact.

Fig 1.1 principle of similarity, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/100768110401453460/

2. Principle of Continuation

We have a tendency to move our eyes along a line, or curve or direction, and we like to see the objects in a continuous flow instead of seeing them in a jump-cut fashion.

        fig 1.2 principle of Continuation, https://uxplanet.org/exploring-the-gestalt-principles-of-design-6f63d0200b2b

3. Principle of Closure

It happens to be that when one of the shapes is not complete, the brain fills it in such that we are able to perceive it as a whole object.

fig 1.3 principle of Closure, https://uxplanet.org/exploring-the-gestalt-principles-of-design-6f63d0200b2b

4. Principle of Proximity

Objects that are placed nearer to one another are normally regarded as interconnected, which contributes to forming organisation and structure in a design.

 Fig 1.4 principle of proximity, https://uxplanet.org/exploring-the-gestalt-principles-of-design-6f63d0200b2b

5. Principle of Figure/Ground

It is a natural tendency to separate visual elements into foreground (the main subject) and background.

Fig 1.5 principle of figure/ground, https://uxplanet.org/exploring-the-gestalt-principles-of-design-6f63d0200b2b

6. Law of Symmetry & Order

Symmetrical features tend to be viewed as one and organised, and this produces an impression of balance and harmony in a design.

Fig 1.6 law of symmetry & order, https://uxplanet.org/exploring-the-gestalt-principles-of-design-6f63d0200b2b

Topic 2: Balance & Emphasis

Balance

• The weight of visual distribution in a design. It establishes visual balance in order to have the composition at large as stable.
• Symmetrical Balance: Visual weight on both sides is equal and on either side of the central axis. Brings about equilibrium and formality.
• Asymmetrical Balance: Visual weight, which is not balanced, but manages to create visual harmony. Frequently seems livelier and contemporary.

Emphasis and Dominance

• Moved to bring out focus and emphasize on the most essential part of a design.
• May be accomplished in colour, size, placement, contrast, or value.
• Helps make the viewer focus on the central message first.

Topic 3: Repetition & Movement

Repetition

• Reiteration enhances a visual activity and organization of a design.
• It provides rhythm and form in a piece of composition.
• The repetition makes the design interesting because the variation is found within it.

Movement

• Means the movement of the eye through a composition by a design.
• Developed using lines, shapes, curves, spacing and directional aspects.
• Assists in regulating information flow and in enhancing legibility.

Hierarchy

• The assembly of the information to convey significance.
• Categorizes the information in order of importance to the viewers (first important and secondary information).

Alignment

• The positioning of items based on shared rows, columns, sides or on an axis.
• Brings order, structure and unity in a design.

Topic 4: Harmony & Unity

Harmony

• Applies when elements have common characteristics, e.g. colour, style or theme.
• Makes one think that all is visually well fitted.
• Harmony can be tedious without contraposition.

Unity

• The term means sense of oneness in a design.
• Realized in case all the elements are combined in balance.

Proportion

• The connection between two or more things in a composition.
• Dominates reality, form and the balance of objects.

Topic 5: Symbol, Word & Image

Symbol

• The sign, shape or object that is used to mean something.
• Ideas are passed through symbols in a fast and effective manner without using long texts.
• Pictorial Symbols: Streamlined visual displays.
• Abstract Symbols: These are similar to what they are, though they have fewer details.
• Arbitrary Symbols: Do not have any visual similarity to their meaning and have to be memorized.

Word and Image

• Meanings Refers to the interaction of text and visuals in a design
• Pictures have visual effect and words are explanatory and clear.
• Interpretation and meaning are enhanced through good combination.

Task 1 - Exploration 

1) Task Recap

This task will involve me researching on the basic design concepts discussed in this module and learning them. The primary goal is to examine the available design works, and where these principles are used in the real world visual communication. In the process, I show my knowledge of every concept and how it contributes to the development of successful design. This blog is a record of my findings and thoughts during my learning experience.

2) Design Principles 

2.1)Gestalt theory 

An example of the Gestalt theory is the manner in which individuals are predisposed to think in terms of organised groups as opposed to individual parts. The human brain tends to integrate all the elements in the form of one instead of addressing them separately. Proximity, similarity, continuity, closure, figure-ground, and proximity are all principles that enable designers to group visual information in such a way that it is easier to comprehend and intuitively by the viewers.

Fig 2.1 Gestalt, 

Title: unlisted

Designer’s Name: unlisted
Year: unlisted 
Size: unlisted
Medium: Illustration 
Source: https://pin.it/1m7P3PAyn 

2.2) Contrast 

In a design, contrast is the positioning of strongly different visual elements. It can be colour distinctions, size, shape, texture or brightness. Contrast is used to captivate the eye, emphasize the key information and direct the attention of the viewer. Contrast can be exploited to enhance clarity, as well as, make a design more interesting and easy to follow.

Fig 2.2 Contrast, 

Title: Growth vs Destruction

Designer’s Name: unlisted
Year: unlisted 
Size: unlisted
Medium: Illustration 
Source: https://expertphotography.com/27-juxtaposition-examples?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic

2.3) Emphasis 

Emphasis is the process applied in the design to highlight the most significant point or center of interest. Designers develop emphasis by the differences in size, colour, placement, contrast or visual weight in such a way that the viewer is directed at once where the emphasis is. This can assist in directing the attention of the viewer and also makes sure that the major message of the design is brought out very clearly.

Fig 2.3 Emphasis, 

Title: unlisted 

Designer’s Name: (Artist/illustrator/photographer)

Year: unlisted

Size: unlisted 

Medium: Digital painting / Illustration / Photography

Source: https://pin.it/4yqRma3Sn

2.4) Balance 

Balance can be defined as a visual arrangement and distribution of any elements in a design to enable it to have a sense of stability and harmony. It makes sure that none of the components of the composition is excessive or imposing to others. Balance may be symmetrical in nature where the elements are spread equally on each side or occur in an asymmetrical manner where the elements are spread unequally and still balance.

Fig 2.4 Balance,

Title: unlisted 

Designer’s Name: (Artist/illustrator/photographer)

Year: unlisted

Size: unlisted 

Medium:illustration

Source: https://pin.it/2Rgac0C0x

2.5) Repetition 

Repetition is defined as the use of the same visual elements again and again in a design, these could be shapes or colours and lines or patterns or textures. It assists in ensuring consistency, unity, rhythm and the design becomes more structured and together. The repetition also enhances the visual identity and directs the eye of the viewer through the composition.

Fig 2.5 Repetition,

Title: unlisted 

Designer’s Name: (Artist/illustrator/photographer)

Year: unlisted

Size: unlisted 

Medium: Photography

Source: https://pin.it/6ZrMQTnC0

2.6) Movement

Movement means how the design brings the viewer to the eye of another piece of design. It gives some direction and movement to a composition. Movement is created by designers by use of lines, shapes, repetitive, contrast, or size and locations. Movement is useful in guiding the viewer through the design in an intentional manner, such that the message is delivered in an effective manner with an intended flow.

Fig 2.6 Movement, https://pin.it/54J4ox4sD

Title: World

Designer’s Name: (Artist/illustrator/photographer)

Year: unlisted

Size: unlisted 

Medium: Photography

Source: https://pin.it/54J4ox4sD

2.7) Harmony & Unity 

Harmony and unity are the interrelation of the various parts in a design, in that they come together to form and produce a cohesive and pleasing composition. Harmony is attained with elements of similar characteristics like colour, shape, style or theme whereas unity is when these elements are defined in a manner that the design seems complete and linked. Combined, they assist in establishing uniformity, balance and a general message of the design.

Fig 2.7 Harmony & Unity, 

Title: Harmony 

Designer’s Name: unlisted 

Year: unlisted

Size: unlisted 

Medium: digital painting 

Source: https://pin.it/3JlEESawc

2.8) Symbol

A symbol refers to pictorial representation, form or object representing an idea, concept or meaning other than the literal use of this object. Symbols which are used in design assist in conveying information in quick and efficient manner, which can be used as an alternative to lengthy text. They may be pictorial, abstract and arbitrary, according to their proximity to what they represent. Symbols are useful in terms of clarity, recognisability, and visual design communication.

Fig 2.8 Symbol, 

Title: C* project 

Designer’s Name: jsrdsgn

Year: 2024

Size: unlisted

Medium: Digital painting 

Source: https://pin.it/33koH81Es

2.9) Word and Image

Word and image can be defined as the association between text and graphics in a design. Their ability to work as a complement to each other makes them stronger when used in combination. The images are more noticeable and generate the emotional effect, whereas words are clear and contextual. The typography, positioning, and visual hierarchy used are very carefully chosen to make sure that the two elements enhance each other and convey the intended idea effectively and clearly.

Fig 2.9 Word and Image, 

Title: The Joker

Designer’s Name: Phil Vance

Year: 2018

Size: unlisted

Medium: illustration 

Source: https://pin.it/3jCgf5OzJ

3) Selected Design

                                              Fig 3.1 Selected design, 

Title: Valley of the Moon

Designer’s Name: Paul Yoon

Year: 2023

Size: unlisted

Medium: illustration

Source: https://dadushin.com/Valley-of-the-Moon

4) Reason for the Selected Design

In this assignment, I have chosen a night landscape painting with a small, lonely person sitting amid the rocks in front of a great mountain and a bright star. I have used this work due to the delicate but effective application of composition, proportion, and tonal harmony. Despite the fact that colour palette is raised mainly to deep blue colour, the artist successfully applies contrast of light and dark to create emphasis and direction of vision.

The light illuminated figure and the bright star are points of focus in the composition. The fact that they are placed on a darker background brings a contrast and emotional focus. The large disparity between the human form and the immense mountain creates high proportion expressing feeling of loneliness and magnificence.

The flow of motion is smoothly accomplished by the misty diagonal movement, which leads the viewer to the mountain peak as the foreground rocks slowly guide his or her gaze towards the mountain peak and ultimately to the star. The natural textures, repeated in the rocks and the trees, help to make the rhythm and structural unity. The reserved colour scheme also enhances harmony and unity in the work of art.

Overall, this piece of art can be analyzed through several principles of design in a sophisticated and subtle way, which is why it can be included in this assignment.

The design principles seen in this work are as follows:

• Equilibrium and Coherence: The limited palette of blue colour creates visual consistency and emotional unity across the composition.

• Movement: The mist and slow changes in tone lead the eye to go diagonally from the foreground to the mountain and the star.

• Emphasis: The figure of light is a point of interest because of its contrast with the dark background of the setting.

• Contrast: Light and dark values create depth and bring out the figure in the landscape.

• Balance: The visual weight of the mountain (the mountain) is balanced by the placement of the star and the foreground items, even though the composition is asymmetrical.

• Proportion: The difference in scale between the mountain and the human figure serves to underline the theme of human smallness in nature.

• Gestalt Principle (Figure-Ground): The figure has a distinct silhouette that is easily distinguished against the background, and the perception of figures and ground in the image is strong.

5) Design Principles Observed

• Contrast
• Emphasis
• Balance
• Repetition
• Harmony & Unity
• Word and Image
• Movement

6) Lecturers Feedback

7) Reflection 

Experience

By completing this assignment, I was able to learn more about design principles beyond theory. Instead of only being required to memorise some definitions but to put them into a practical situation and explain what I saw. This procedure enhanced my critical thinking in the way designers purposefully organise design features like colour, balance, contrast, and hierarchy to convey a meaning. The process of analysing the chosen piece of art made me realise how a few minor visual choices can have a potent impact on the perception and the emotional impact to which they are addressed.

Observation

I also gained greater analytic skills through the research and selection of a work of art. I also developed more awareness on details like lighting, placement, repetition and texture. I also got the knowledge on how various principles can be employed together in a single composition as opposed to existing independently. This assignment helped me enhance my skills in being a critical viewer of visual works rather than merely seeing them superficially.

Findings

Through this exercise, I learnt that the basis of successful visual communication is design principles. The knowledge of these principles will assist in identifying the purpose of an artwork and the message it portrays. I also learned how the same principle when applied in different contexts and styles can be used. Altogether, this assignment helped me deepen my interest in design, as well as improve my skills to analyse artworks in a well-organised and considerate way.