Design Principles Task - 01 - Exploration
Table of Content
- Instructions
- Lectures
- Task 01
- Feedback
- Reflection
1. Instructions
- Task 01 - Week 01 - 03 (03.02.25 - 17.02.25)
- Describe each of the design principles mentioned in the mib and select suitable design examples to demonstrate your understanding. We must explore the various design principles taught in the module and observe works of design to apply what we learned from the lectures.
- All must be documented in our blog posts.
Module Information Booklet for Design Principles
2. Lectures
Using designs to convey meaningful messages to a target audience is known as visual communication. The design must therefore be carefully considered and carried out. Design elements and principles must be understood and applied in order to produce effective communication through design.
While elements of design are distinctive building blocks, principles of design are organizational fundamentals that emerged from or direct the combination of the elements.
Elements of Design
- Point
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Texture
- Space
- Colour
3. Task 01
The human brain interprets visual elements as whole shapes rather than as separate parts, which is explained by Gestalt theory in design principles. These design principles—which include figure-ground, symmetry, closure, continuity, proximity, and similarity—assist designers in producing well-structured, significant compositions. While similarity binds related items together through shared characteristics like colour or shape, proximity clusters related elements together. Continuity guides the eye smoothly over a design, while closure enables the mind to fill in the blanks in a picture. Figure-ground sets items apart from their surroundings. Gestalt principles are used by designers to improve engagement, clarity, and structure, resulting in designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and intuitive.
Principle of Similarity: According to the Gestalt concept of similarity, objects that have similar visual attributes—like colour, shape, size, or texture—are viewed as connected or belonging to a group. By naturally directing the viewer's eye, this idea aids in the creation of organisation and coherence in design. Patterns may be established, branding can be strengthened, and readability can be enhanced through similarity. Because of their common characteristics, elements appear related even when they are separated by distance. A well-executed use of similarity improves visual hierarchy, increases clarity, and makes designs more visually beautiful and intuitive.
Principle of Continuation: According to the Gestalt concept of continuation, lines, curves, or sequences are instinctively followed by the human eye, giving the impression of movement and direction. This idea improves readability and flow by gently directing the viewer's attention throughout a design. Even if they are interrupted, elements that are aligned along a path are seen as related. In order to build linkages between elements, establish visual hierarchy, and draw attention to important areas, designers employ continuation. It is frequently used in layouts, typography, and logos to guarantee easy navigation and interaction.
Principle of Closure: According to the Gestalt theory on closure, the human brain has a tendency to mentally fill in the blanks in incomplete shapes or patterns to make them appear complete. This idea enables designers to produce simple yet powerful images that captivate the viewer's attention. In order to improve simplicity and familiarity, closure is frequently employed in logos, icons, and negative space designs. Designers are able to produce captivating, memorable compositions that stimulate audience participation and interpretation by carefully leaving out portions of a shape while retaining sufficient visual signals.
Principles of Proximity: According to the Gestalt concept of proximity, items positioned near one another are seen as connected or belonging to a group. By putting related items together, this idea helps to build visual hierarchy, organise information, and decrease clutter. Relationships between items are spontaneously formed by proximity, even in the absence of clear boundaries or lines. This idea is applied by designers to improve readability and usability in layouts, menus, and branding. When proximity is used effectively, communication is enhanced and viewers are guaranteed to swiftly comprehend and digest information in an organised, understandable way.
Principle of Symmetry & Order: According to the Gestalt principle of symmetry and order, individuals find elements that are symmetrical and well-organised to be more balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Symmetrical designs feel harmonious and simple to comprehend since the brain is wired to seek stability and structure. This idea is frequently applied in architecture, layouts, and logos to foster professionalism and confidence. Elements seem more cohesive and beautiful when they are organised symmetrically. A well-executed use of symmetry increases a design's overall impact, clarity, and user experience.
Fig 1.0 - Relativity M.C. Escher
Picture source
Every Gestalt theory is depicted in its composition in Figure 1.0. Staircases, arches, and human-like figures are frequently used to establish a sense of oneness and to demonstrate resemblance by making various parts seem related. The architectural lines and stairs organically direct the viewer's gaze throughout the picture, moving from one section to another without sudden pauses, understanding continuity. The spectator mentally completes some missing shapes (such staircases that disappear into separate planes) to present closure and make sense of an otherwise incomprehensible space. Proximity: By arranging the figures in close clusters, the composition becomes more ordered and suggests links and groupings. The viewer's sense of foreground and background is challenged by the illusion of numerous gravitational perspectives showing Figure-Ground, which causes parts to change based on attention, and Symmetry & Order: The repetitive building components and symmetry in perspective provide a feeling of balance and structure despite the strange arrangement.
The combination of opposing elements to create aesthetics, hierarchy, and emphasis is known as contrast. It highlights important details and aids in directing the viewer's gaze. Variations in colour, size, form, texture, or typography can all be used to create contrast. In order to make a design visually exciting rather than flat or repetitive, strong contrast improves visuals and engagement. Because contrast makes it easy to pick out vital information from surrounding factors, it not only improves aesthetics but also helps communication. Figure 2.0, contrast is seen by the colour difference from light to dark within the interior of the living space.
Fig 2.0 - Contrast
Picture Source
Drawing attention to a specific element in order to provide a focal point is known as emphasis. By directing the viewer's eye across the artwork, it makes sure that the most crucial information is visible. Contrast in colour, size, shape, texture, or typography can all be used to create emphasis. Moreover, visual hierarchy, whitespace, and placement also contribute to an element's increased dominance. Focus is successfully directed by a well-emphasized design, which can ensure clarity and avoid visual clutter. Designers can communicate more by carefully emphasising important components, which makes their message more appealing and simple for the people to understand. In Figure 3.0, the man in the middle is the focal point, and then the red butterfly making these 2 elements the emphasis of the painting.
4. Balance
The distribution of visual weight in an artwork to provide harmony and stability is referred to as balance. It keeps things in order by making ensuring that no single component dominates the others. Balance might be radial, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. Balance is affected by elements including colour, size, texture, and spacing. By making the layout seem organic and eye-catching, a well-balanced design improves aesthetics, and peoples experience viewing an artwork. A well-balanced composition enables the viewer's eyes to gild smoothly across it. Figure 4.0, shows an asymmetrical balance work, as it has a tree on the edge of a lake and flow is continued differently on the other side by the sun set sky.
5. Repetition
According to design principles, repetition is the regular use of components like colours, forms, fonts, or patterns to establish coherence and unity. It creates a rhythm in the design, improves comprehension, and strengthens visual identity. Designers can provide structure, direct the viewer's eye, and improve brand awareness by repeating essential components. Logos, layouts, and programs all use repetition to create a unified and polished look. To keep people interested, variation should be added because too much repetition might get boring. Effective use of repetition improves uniformity and adds visual appeal and memorability to a design. Figure 5.0 is a Maldivian Lacquer design printed on a book cover, it's repetitive lines from thin to thick lines and other patterns is good example of a repetition pattern art.
6. Movement
Fig 6.0 - Dancing in the Rain: The beauty of Movement
Picture Source
Harmony and unity guarantee that every component of a composition functions as a whole, producing an aesthetically beautiful and well-structured appearance. While unity guarantees consistency and connectivity among elements, harmony is accomplished by utilising comparable colours, forms, textures, or themes. When combined, they give a design a sense of completion and keep it from appearing haphazard or fragmented. Unity is established by strategies including alignment, proximity, and repetition. By making designs feel deliberate and seamless, a well-balanced use of harmony and unity improves user experience, improves communication, and improves aesthetics. Variety is preserved while overall coherence and flow are maintained through effective design. All things considered, Figure 7.0, is a great illustration of Harmony and Unity since it shows how harmony and unity can produce a calm and eye-catching composition with the colour tones and repetitive strokes as texture.
Fig 7.0 - Harmony and Unity- Two Women by the Shore, Mediterranean
Picture Source
Symbols are visual components that provide a clear and concise representation of ideas, thoughts, or messages. They improve communication by swiftly and universally expressing meaning, frequently overcoming language barriers. Symbols may be abstract (stylised interpretations), indexical (suggestive connections), and or iconic (direct representations). Symbols strengthen identification and enhance usability and are frequently used in branding, signage, and software interfaces. Simple, memorable, and understandable symbols are effective. Repetition and style consistency improve recognition. Designers can produce aesthetically pleasing and intuitive compositions that successfully convey messages and direct user interaction by carefully combining symbols. Figure 8.0 is a nice composition showing abstract symbolic art. With the oddly shaped face and face inspired by Picasso's art style the art studio logo looks unique and eye catching.
Fig 8.0 - Abstract Symbol Logo
Pictures Source
By producing a composition that is both aesthetically pleasing and meaningful, the use of words and images in design principles improves communication. Images arouse feelings and draw attention, whereas words offer context and clarity. They reinforce the intended impact when used correctly since they compliment one another. Images contribute depth and aesthetic appeal, while typography, font selection, and placement affect reading. To prevent clutter and guarantee a seamless flow, text and images must be balanced. The proper combination of words and visuals in branding, advertising, and editorial design enhances narrative, increases audience comprehension, and produces a more powerful and unforgettable experience. Figure 9.0 shows a balanced composition of word and image, with the bright colours of the female figures and the bold font that is angled to a corner.
Fig 9.0 - Word and Images
Picture Source
4. Feedback
Week 1 was our first class and briefing for this module and we were introduced to our lectures. As it was the first class, there was an introduction to the 7 lectures that would teach our batch of 300+ students, we informed that we will be divided into groups for each lecturer and then we were briefed about our assignments and tasks for this module.
Week 2
No Consultation
Week 3
It's the submission week for Task 01, I have completed majority of the task, for this weeks consultation I was able to show my progress. I was told to add a few things to improve the blogpost, like adding figure numbers to the pictures and add the other gestalt theories. as well as choose the art/design from the gallery of artworks which I have chosen as examples in the design principles.
5. Design Selection
Fig 7.0 - Two Women at the Shore, Mediterranean by Henri-Edmond Cross
This piece of art demonstrates a number of design concepts. The warm tones of the figures smoothly merge with the cool blues and greens of the sea and sky, creating a visually unified image that emphasises harmony and unity. The positioning of the two women creates balance and gives the composition a sense of stability. The regular application of dot-like brushstrokes reinforces the artwork's overall harmony and is an example of repetition. The curved coast lines and the characters' soft poses discreetly imply movement, leading the viewer's eye throughout the painting.
All things considered, this piece of art is a great illustration of these design concepts since it shows how harmony and unity can produce a calm and eye-catching composition.
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