Design Notes 3.3.2015

3.3.2015

Design

The Principles and Elements

“People ignore design that ignores people.” -Frank Chimero

What is Design?

• Design elements are the basic units of a visual image.
• The principles of design governs the relationships of the elements used and organize the composition as a whole.
• All imagery, art, design and photography alike, are comprised of elements that can be broken down and analyzed. This goes for web design as well.

Design Elements

• Space
• Line
• Color
• Shape
• Texture
• Value

Space

• Space can exist in two or three dimensions.
• It can refer to positive space or a negative one.
• It can also refer to foreground mid or background elements.

Line

• Line width, Depth.
• Determines the bones of a picture.

Color

• Color palettes, shades.
• Can invoke mood, time and place.

Shape

• Simple to complex.

Texture

• Can be implied, actually just using 2D elements.

Value

• Generally referring to shading.
• Helps determine shape, dimension, and depth.

Design Principles

• Unity
• Variety
• Repetition
• Harmony
• Proximity
• Proportion
• Functionality

Unity

• Unity creates a sense of order, a consistency in size and shape.
• Proximity can create a sense of unity, it can also show a lack of unity

Variety

• Ability to adapt to different designs and styles is very important.

Repetition

• Using a similar image but different, can be repetitive.
• Using elements that repeat can create a sense of design cohesion.

Harmony

• The idea that everything has its place and everything is in its place.
• Consistency, showing a pattern.

Proximity

• Element of white space, giving the design breathing room, the organizational hierarchy.

Proportion

• Determines size and relativity.

Functionality

• Determines style and reflects goal, Form over Function.