Task 1: Exploration
03/02/2025 - 17/02/2025 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Shema Goldie Angwen / 0372129
Design Principles GCD60804
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1: Exploration (20%)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1: Exploration (20%)
CONTENT LIST
MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET
TASK
Instruction:
Select an art/design work that piques your
interest. Then, upload the image of the art/design work and include the credit line of the art/design work. Explain, in a writeup of about 150-200 words in the Task 1 blogpost,
why you chose that art/design work (describe the design principles you observed in that art/design work).
Task 1: Exploration (Week 1-3)
Figure 1.1
Title of art: The Rose of Moods
Artist:Vladimir London,
Year: 2021
Medium: Classic Watercolor Paper
Size: 80 x 120 cm
I chose this design because the captivating blend of beauty and harmony. Moreover, this piece of art demonstrates good application of design principles.
The placement of the girl’s face aligns with the Golden Ratio, emphasizing her as the focal point. Balance is implemented by the arrangement of the figure and other elements. The patterned background completes the composition, helping to balance the figure and the astrolabe, creating harmony. The background patterns and colors also support the subject without distracting it.
Additionally, contrast is also applied by the warm tones background set against the cooler toned figure. The cool-toned skin create contrasts against the darker background, making the figure stand out and draw attention.
The emphasis is on the figure of the woman as she is the focal point. The rose seems connected with the figure as it also pops against the backdrop. The braided hair creates movement, guiding the viewer’s eye through the artwork.
Repetition is found in the background design with the repeating elements and patterns. The astrolabe adds rhythm by its circular pattern, connecting well with the curves of the figure and the rose. The figure, rose, and astrolabe, combined together serve the idea of beauty in unity.
(200 words)
Instruction: Describe each of the design principles listed below and select suitable design examples to demonstrate your understanding.
Gestalt Theory refers to "shape" or "form" in
German. Gestalt theory states that the human brain is wired to
recognize patterns, logic, and structure.
Gestalt Theory includes several principles:
- Principles of Similarity: Our eyes tend to group elements that are similar in shape, size, color, or other characteristics even if they are far apart from each other.
Figure 2.1
In this image, the principle of similarity is applied. Our minds tend to group similar shapes together, even if they are separated or not physically close to each other. Additionally, the use of the same shape and color further reinforces this tendency, prompting our minds to instantly associate and group the same elements together.
Principle of Continuation: Human eye follows the paths, lines, and curves of a design. Human eye prefers to see a continuous flow of visual elements rather than separated objects.
Figure 2.2
The use of the letter 'G' emphasizes a continuous flow that
guides the viewer's eye along the curve. This aligns with the
principle of continuation, where our brains naturally follow
lines or patterns.
- Principle of Closure: Human eye prefers to complete shapes. If the visual elements are not complete, our brain automatically fill in the missing visual information to form a whole.
Figure 2.3
This cover shows how the Gestalt Theory is used. At first,
our eyes are drawn to the wolf, but then our minds want
begin to notice the negative space, which reveals the shape
of a person, Peter. The wolf's body illustrates the
Principle of Closure, as the human eye prefers to complete
visual elements, our minds automatically fill in the missing
visual information.
- Principle of Proximity: Related design elements are placed close together. Objects that are near to each other are perceived as belonging together or connected.
Figure 2.4
- Principle of Figure/ Ground: We perceive object as either in the foreground or in the background, helping us to differentiate between the main subject and its surroundings.
Figure 2.5
When looking at the picture, you can see two cats, but at
the same time, you might also see a dog. In this image,
the two cat silhouettes are the figures, standing out
against the lighter background because they are colored in solid black. The negative space around
the black silhouettes forms the ground, which, in turn,
shapes the figure of a dog. This is an example of the
principle of figure/ground, where the relationship between the figure and the ground allows multiple interpretations of the image.
- Law of Symmetry and Order: Human eye tends to perceive symmetrical elements and view them as part of a unified whole.
- Law of Uniform Connectedness: Human eyes tends to see elements with common characteristics as belonging to the same group.
- Law of Pragnanz: Also known as principle of simplicity, this law states that human eye typically perceives complex objects as simplified forms, making them easier to recognize and understand.
- Law of Common Fate: This law states that when elements move together, human eye perceives them as a group.
Contrast shows a noticeable difference. An art
without contrast would be monotonous. Contrast is also used to
highlight importance.
Contrast exist in:
- colour
- applied in photograph
Figure 2.6
Source: https://pin.it/9ntcrll9t
I find this contrast in color image truly stands out and attracts the viewer's eye because blue and orange are complementary colors, placed opposite from each other in the color wheel. The edited color photograph creates a stark contrast between the orange and blue, making each of them more vibrant and noticeable against each other. This contrast highlights the importance of color in creating an eye-catching and visually compelling image.
- applied in web design
Figure 2.7
Source: Instagram Website
In web design, contrast is used to guide users' attention and
make important elements stand out. For example, on Instagram,
the contrast between the background and the log in or sign up
buttons helps user easily identify where to take action.
- applied in poster
Figure 2.8
Source: https://pin.it/3QhxPotlv
In this poster, the first thing that is noticeable are the
contrast between the colors. The boldness of both colors, blue
and red immediately attracts attention. The simplicity of the
design, with a focus of just these two colors, allows the
contrast to be the main focus without any distraction.
- applied in interior design
Figure 2.9
The green elements, such as the sofa and wall decor, stand out
sharply against the dark purple color. This contrast draws
immediate attention to the furniture.
- shape
Figure 2.10
The image shows a mix of geometric shapes that create contrast in
the interior design. Sharp-angled elements, like square and
rectangular decorations create contrast against the smooth curves
of the circular elements.
- size
Figure 2.11
The bird's eye view perspective highlights the size difference,
showing a significant contrast in size between the whale and the
small boat.
- texture
Figure 2.12
Emphasis is used to attract the viewer's eye to a
specific object or elements. Emphasis create dominance and focus.
Designers can achieve dominance by manipulating various elements
such as colour, shapes, value.
Figure 2.13
Source:
In this example, the red pair of eyes immediately grabs attention,
creating a focal point that makes this design stand out. Emphasis
helps the viewer identify and focus on the important elements of the
design.
Balance in design is not only sameness on both sides
but balanced in composition. Balance makes design looks pleasing in
the eye. Balance refers to distribution of visual weight in a work
of design. Balance can be symmetrical / asymmetrical:
- Symmetrical Balance
- has equal weight on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum
- divided into:
- bilateral balance: the equal arrangement of elements on either side of the central axis (horizontal or vertical)
Figure 2.14
The image features a central axis created by the vertical line running through the middle of the design. This axis divides the visual elements into two equal halves. The eyes and eyebrows on both sides create a mirrored effect, resulting in a bilateral balance.
- radial balance: the equal arrangement of elements around a central point, elements within an image radiate outwards from a central point.
Figure 2.15
The image uses radial balance through its symmetrical arrangement, with elements radiating outwards from a central point.
- approximate symmetry: equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line, almost equal division but the subject matter on both sides are not exactly the same
Figure 2.16
- Asymmetrical Balance
- has unequal visual weight on each side of the composition
- one side might contain a dominant element, which could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points on the other side
Figure 2.17
The Golden Ratio, also known as phi, Golden Mean, or Golden Section, represents perfect beauty, and is found throughout nature. Golden Ratio is a guide for creating visual balance, help to bring harmony, balance, and structure to a work.
Rule of Thirds is a composition guideline wherean image is divided evenly into thirds (both horizontally and vertically). The subject of the image is then placed at the intersections of these dividing lines/ along the lines themselves.
Figure 2.18
The windmill is positioned as the focal point of the image, with
other elements, such as the boats and figures, arranged to create
visual balance in accordance with the proportions of the Golden
Ratio.
Figure 2.19
Repetition could make a work of design seem active.
Repetition creates rhythm and pattern. In repetition, variety is
essential in order to avoid monotony (variety is a change/ slight
difference in elements, involve varying angles, exposure,
composition, etc).
Figure 2.20
This is a genius example of repetition implemented in a book cover
design. The repetition of short vertical lines, each with slight
variations in thickness, forms fire symbols. The repetition of color
can also be perceived in this book cover, with all elements and
typography in red. Additionally, the repetition of typeface is
noticeable, as the same typeface is used for the title, subtitle,
and also the author's name.
Movement is the way a design leads the eye in,
around, and through a composition. Movement is the path the eye
follows. Movement comes from the kinds of shapes, forms, lines,
and curves that are used.
Figure 2.21
Hierarchy is choreography of content in a composition, moving from the most important to the less important information. It directs viewers to the most important information first, then guides them through secondary content.
Alignment is the placement of elements in a way that edges line up along common rows or columns, or their bodies along a common centre. This creates a sense of unity and cohesion, contributing to the overall aesthetic and perceived stability of the design.
Harmony & Unity refer to the sense that all elements of a design fit and work together, fitting the same theme, aesthetic style, mood. This principle ensure that the individual components complements each other.
Figure 2.22
This living room design is an example of harmony in interior
design. The balanced arrangement of furniture, along with the
green colour paired with neutral white and semi-beige tones,
creates a sense of unity. The texture of the abstract painting
behind the sofa matches the sofa's texture, creating a visual
connection and a feeling of tranquility. Nothing particularly
stands out, as the composition follows an analogous color scheme,
contributing to the overall calm and cohesive
atmosphere.
Proportion refers to the relationship between elements,
ensuring they fit together harmoniously within the
composition.
Symbol is a sign used to convey a message, thought, idea, or
concept. In design, a symbol conveys information, often equivalent
to one or more sentences of text, or even a whole story.
Symbols categories into:
- Figurative Representations
- Visuals
- Graphic symbols
- Pictorial symbols: Image-related/ simplified pictures
Figure 2.23
This microscope, as depicted in the image, is an example of pictorial symbol that embodies the principle of design. It is a simplified representation of a real microscope.
- Abstract symbols: look like the objects that they represents but have less details
Figure 2.24
The camera symbol is an example of an abstract symbol. Abstract
symbols resemble the object that they represent but with fewer
details. In this case, this camera symbol still gives the image
of a real camera, but simplifies the form, leaving out details
such as buttons, lenses, or other small features. This makes the
symbol easier to recognize and still conveys the essence of a
camera.
- Arbitrary symbols: have no resemblance at all to the objects or ideas they represent and needed to be learned in order to be understood.
Figure 2.25
Source: https://pin.it/FpstFq2QB
- Non-figurative Representations
Word and Image is the principle that emphasizes the
importance of using the right image and typeface that align with the
concept or brand. Pairing the right word with the relatable image is
crucial, as it enhances the meaning of the design. Choosing a
suitable typeface and strategically positioning it creates visual
hierarchy and balance.
Figure 2.26
FEEDBACK
WEEK 1: no feedback
WEEK 2: Mr. Hafiz instructed me to place my task at the top.
REFLECTION
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