Design Principles : TASK 1 - Exploration

6.2.2024 / Week 1 - 3

Angel Tan Xin Kei / 0356117

Design Principles GCD60804./ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

TASK 1 - Exploration

Index

Instruction
Figure 1.1 Module Information

Lectures

Topic 1 Contrast and Gestalt Theory
1. Contrast 
  • a juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements
  • exists in furniture, book cover designs, photography, and architecture works ( buildings) 

Figure 1.1.1 City Vs Central Park - Source
2. Gestalt Theory
  • The human brain is wired to see patterns, logic, and structure.
  • “Gestalt” refers to “shape” or “form” in German
  • rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements
  • aim to show how complex scenes can be reduced to more simple shapes
Figure 1.1.2 Peter and The Wolf - Source

3. Principle of Similarity
  • The common perception of humans in design in the sense of the picture, shape group, and even those elements are separated
  • The brain seems to craft a link between elements of a similar nature
Figure 1.1.3 Water and the Bottle - Source

4. Principle of Continuation
  • The common perception of humans in design in the sense of the picture, shape group, and even those elements are separated
  • The brain seems to craft a link between elements of a similar nature
Figure 1.1.4 Running out of Time - Source

5. Principle of Closure
  • The human eye prefers to see complete shapes. If the visual elements are incomplete, the user can perceive a complete shape by filling in missing visual information.
Figure 1.1.5 Cat - Link
6. Principle of Proximity
  • The process of ensuring related design elements are placed together. Any unrelated items, should be spaced apart. Close proximity indicates that items are connected or have a relationship to each other and become one visual unit which helps to organise or structure a layout.
Figure 1.1.6 Burger King-Interzone - Link

7. Principle of Figure/Ground

  • Objects are instinctively perceived as being either in the foreground or the background. They either stand out prominently in the front (the figure) or recede into the back (the ground).
Figure 1.1.7 Look Back 15' - Link

8. Law of Symmetry and Order
  • elements that are symmetrical to each other tend to be perceived as a unified group 
Figure 1.1. 8 KLCC - Link
    Topic 2: Emphasis and Balance

    1. Balance 
    • the distribution of visual weight in the work of design.
    • visual equilibrium of the elements that cause the total image to appear balanced.
      • Symmetrical Balance: Equal arrangement of elements on either side of the central axis (horizontal or vertical)
        Asymmetrical Balance: Unequal visual weight on each side of the composition.
        One side of the composition might contain a dominant element, which could be balanced by a couple or fewer focal points on the other side.
    Figure 2.1 Asymmetrical & Symmetrical Balance Composition by Hikari Suita-Link

    2. Emphasis
    • Emphasis is used to create dominance and focus in a design work
    • Various elements can be used to create emphasis, such as color, shapes, or value, to achieve dominance
    Figure 2.2 Girl Looking Up- Link

    3. The Golden Ratio
    • phi, a mathematical concept and a number that goes on indefinitely (1.618033988749895...).
    • representative of perfect beauty, a guide to creating visual balance
    Figure 2.3 Ridge Light Ranch by Fibonacci -Artwork

    4. Rule of Thirds 
    • composition guideline to create more dynamism in a work of design/photography/film/painting
    • is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself. 
    Figure 2.4 Flower Shot by Photography Talk - Pinterest

    Topic 3: Repetition and Movement

    1. Repetition
    • repetition of elements of design creates rhythm and pattern within the work
    • Variety is essential to keep rhythms exciting and active and to avoid monotony.
    • increases visual excitement by enriching surface interest
    Figure 3.1 The Joy of Repetition - Behance

    2. Movement
    • design leads the eye through the path the eye follows
    • objects seem to be moving in a visual image
    • visual image comes from the kinds of shapes, forms, lines, and curves
    Figure 3.2 Aboriginal Artwork by Raelene Stevens-Link

    3. Hierarchy
    • choreography of content in a composition to communicate information and convey meaning
    • directs viewers important information and identifies content navigation
    Figure 3.3 Disinformation' exhibition by Gerhard van Vynk-Link

    4. Alignment
    • edges line up along common rows or columns, or their bodies along a common centre
    • creates a sense of unity and cohesion, which contributes to the design's overall aesthetic and perceived stability
    Figure 3.4 Friedliche Balance von Marco Antonio Aguilar - Link

    Topic 4: Harmony and Unity

    1. Harmony
    • selection of elements that share common traits
    • monotony without variety in the same theme, aesthetic style, or mood.
    Figure 4.1Poisonous Land - Link

    2. Unity
    • repetition of elements either colors, shapes, or materials gives a sense of oneness
    Figure 4.2 Union: Monica Stewart - Pinterest 

    3. Scale
    • size of one object with the other objects
    • can be measured: Actual measurement or Visual estimates based on comparison
    • scale is used to specify or illustrate details based on the relative sizes of objects in architecture fields
    Figure 4.3 Vision of Circles - Pinterest

    4. Proportion
    • the relationship of two or more elements in a composition and how they compare to one another concerning size, color, quantity, degree, setting
    Figure 4.4 On Top of the World - Link

    Topic 5: Symbol, Word, and Image

    1. Symbol
    • a sign, shape, or object that is used to convey information, equivalent to one or more sentences of text, or even a whole story
    Figure 5.1 Sound Wave Glyph Icons - link 

    2. Word and Image
    • imagery is vital for users and viewers can relate to a concept or a brand if the right images
    • choosing the right words to pair with the imagery is of high importance as it would deepen the meaning of the design
    • suitable typeface and strategic positioning of the type will result in visual hierarchy and balance in a work of design.
    • Typography is the design and arrangement of text to convey a message or concept.
    Figure 5.2 The Elephant in the Room - Designet.com

    Topic 6: Visual Analysis

    1. Definition of Visual Analysis
    • a description and explanation of the visual structure 
    • to better understand how the formal properties of a design communicate ideas, content, or meaning.
    • a critical part of visual literacy, a skill that reads and critically interprets images, whether in a museum, on social media, in entertainment, advertising, or the news.
    2. How does it work?
    • Phase 1: Observation
      • about looking, thinking, and finding good language to communicate what you notice.
    • Phase 2: Analysis
      • makes statements based on the evidence of observations
      • how the specific visual elements that’ve been identified combine to create design principles that complete that work of design/art, and the effects on the viewer.
    • Phase 3: Interpretation
      • In this final phase, your observations, description, and analysis of the work is fused with facts about the design work (and in some cases the designer) and historical
      • context that you find in trustworthy published sources

    Exploration
    1. Research

    After conducting the research on the 17 sustainable development goals, I will be mainly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 3, "Good Health and Well-being" The reason is that Malaysia has been prevalent with multiracial cuisine which resulted in the main factor for well-being. My aim is to raise awareness about this connection and emphasize the importance of making informed food choices to promote better health in the community. In addition, global diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 have emerged extensively, leading to fatalities in regions where medical advancements are lacking. For instance, my grandma has asthma and is easily short of breath due to the aftermath of Influenza.This underscores the critical importance of prioritizing health and medical progress to enhance global well-being.

    (UNSDG) Selected: Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


    Figure 6.1 Source: Link

    Title: Influenza - Nature Outlook
    Artist: Antoine Doré
    Year: 2019
    Size: Not applicable
    Medium: Behance and Pinterest

    The reason why I choose this artwork:

    I selected this piece of artwork because it draws inspiration from real-life efforts to combat influenza. The piece is a tribute work of Rick Bright, a technician at the US Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. Bright pioneered a project involving the development of antiviral drugs for influenza and a unique system to track real-time influenza cases through social media. This innovative approach allows for the prediction of cases and the implementation of effective distancing measures for both infected and non-infectious individuals.

    The artwork fascinates me as it portrays doctors as frontline warriors, actively fighting against bacteria. Despite being a relatively rare occurrence, the artwork captures the significance of their role in safeguarding human health and emphasizes the importance of advancements in medical technology. 

    Design Principles used: 

    1. Contrast and Gesalt Theory
    2. Movement
    3. Emphasis
    4. Scale and Proportion


    Further Reading


    Principle of Proximity:

    Definition: Grouping related elements close to each other creates a visual connection.
    Purpose: Organizes information, establishes relationships, and provides structure to a layout.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Proximity helps guide the viewer's eye.
    • Effective use of proximity enhances overall layout coherence.
    • Creating visual relationships between elements improves communication.
    • White space can be strategically utilized to enhance proximity.
    Pure Magazine 
    by Patrycja Dulnik 
    5th Edition (2013)

    In this magazine illustration, it aimed to demonstrate the effective grouping of images in page layout. It also showed designers often scatter images within the text, disrupting the reading flow. Reiterate the importance of the proximity principle for grouping and distinguishing images and text.

    Feedback
    Week 2 
    Mr. Zeon commented that my selection was fine and apparently aligns with SDG 3, promoting global well-being through innovative healthcare solutions. However, it would be better if my principle design listed distinctively with the 150-word explanation.

    Week 3
    Mr. Zeon suggested that it would be better if all the pictures' credits were input with source links easier for further reference.

    Reflection
    Experience 
    In my design principles class, the learning journey was marked by learning through lecture recordings which Ms Yip explaining the elements and principles of design whereas in practical class,Mr Zeon gave us time on doing the tasks, showcased homework and received comments. Engaging in various design principles notes and findings allowed me to put theoretical knowledge into practice, fostering a deep understanding of how design principles influence the visual appeal of a product or an artwork. Through the experience gained, I made design decisions, and honed my skills, creating a bridge between theoretical concepts and real-world seeing and understanding.

    Observation 
    After learning the design principles, I managed to go through keen observation and heightened sensitivity to the sense of design elements. The class emphasized the importance of paying attention to details, understanding the impact of color, patterns, balance, emphasis and typography. Analyzing existing designs and critically observing how they adhere from established principles provided valuable insights. The observational aspect of the class not only refined my eye for design but also give me a habit of continuously learning from the visual world around me whenever I see some design artwork like advertisement in malls or artworks in museum gallery.

    Findings
    The findings from the design principles class into a comprehensive understanding of the principles that gouide me into better design. Uncovering patterns, recognizing the role of hierarchy in communication, and interplay of elements all contributed to a toolbox of design knowledge. These findings extend beyond theoretical comprehension, the slides provided some links to read and references which are very good to equip me with the ability to articulate and apply these findings, offering a solid foundation for future design endeavors.






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