DESIGN PRINCIPLES | TASK 1 - EXPLORATION
3 Feb 2025 - 17 Feb 2025 ( Week 1 - Week 3 )
Hsu Myat Wati | 0381660 | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Design Principles | Taylor's University
Table of contents
1.LECTURES
Introduction : Elements & Principles of Design
The elements of design work as the individual "building blocks" where as the design principles guides the arrangement of the elements.
7 Elements of Design
1. Point
2. Line
3. Shape
4. Form
5. Texture
6. Space
7. Colour
Principles of Design
- Contrast and Gestalt Theory
- Balance and Emphasis
- Harmony and Unity
- Symbol, Word and Image
In this task, I am going to dive deep into all the fundamentals of the design principles and explore how they are applied and the way they all work together in the real world art and design works.
2. INSTRUCTIONS
Following is the Module Information Booklet for all the tasks which must be done throughout this module.
Description
You are to explore the various design principles taught in the module and
observe works of design to apply your knowledge. All these must be
documented in your blog.
Requirements
1. In your Task 1 post in the blog, include this MIB. Describe each of the design principles listed below and select suitable design examples to demonstrate your understanding. Students are NOT ALLOWED to reuse the images from the lecture notes/videos. The examples and any information you borrow from other sources must credit the source. Plagiarism in any way (p. 13 of MIB) will result in an F grade for the overall module and the student will be subjected to the policies of the University concerning academic misconduct. You shall also adhere to the guidelines and expectations for the responsible use of GenAI.
• Gestalt theory
• Contrast
• Emphasis
• Balance
• Repetition
• Movement
• Harmony & Unity
• Symbol
• Word and Image
2. Select an art/design work that piques your interest.
3. Upload the image of the art/design work (JPEG file, min. A4 size, 300dpi) in your Task 1 blogpost.
4. Beneath the image, include the credit line of the art/design work (title of art/design work, artist’s/designer’s name; year, size, medium of the art/design work and the source).
5. Explain, in a writeup of about 150-200 words in the Task 1 blogpost, why you chose that art/design work.
6. List and briefly describe the design principles you observed in that art/design work in the Task 1 blogpost.
7. Include the feedback that you received from your lecturer in the Task 1 blogpost.
3. TASK 1 - EXPLORATION
Topic 1 - Contrast and Gestalt Theory
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| My notes |
Contrast
Contrast is basically putting together the elements which are almost opposite to each other. It can emphasize and enhance the overall look of design by providing visual interest.
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| Fig 3.1 - Example of Contrast ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4vNOX8UXH |
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| Fig 3.2 - Example of Contrast ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/ieYggjOv8 |
Gestalt Theory
The rules of Gestalt Principles show how people perceive visual elements as a one united form. These principles explain how the complex scenes are moderate for more simpler ones.
Some of the well known principles of Gestalt Theory are as follow:
Principle of Similarity : Similar elements of the same design, even when separated, are perceived as a complementary to each other.
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| Fig 3.3 - Example of Similarity ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3nwQg92yp |
Principle of Continuation : Our eyes tends to continue the flow of the paths, lines and curves over separated elements of design.
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| Fig 3.4 - Example of Continuation ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/1CaCCb53w |
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| Fig 3.5- Example of Continuation ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/1KgfJw5wR |
Principle of Closure : Our eyes tends to unconsciously complete missing information of the visual elements.
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| Fig 3.6 - Example of Closure ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/6vzBpeKyh |
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| Fig 3.7 - Example of Closure ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/ieYggjOv8 |
Principle of Proximity : Ensure that every element in relation should be placed closely to become one whereas the unrelated ones are supposed to be separated.
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| Fig 3.8 - Example of Proximity ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3GNwqongZ |
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| Fig 3.10 - Example of Figure/Ground ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/11q3B0yiy |
Law of Symmetry & Order : Like the principle of similarity; symmetric elements of the same design are more appropriate to be united as one group than asymmetrical ones.
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| Fig 3.11 - Example of Symmetry & Order ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - Source - https://pin.it/11q3B0yiy |
Topic 2 - Balance and Emphasis
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| My notes |
Balance
Balance is an equal distribution of visual elements to form the stability in design or art work. It can either be symmetric or asymmetric at the same time.
Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance represents the visual equilibrium that is form by arranging elements on both side of the center of a composition in an equally weighted manner. That can also be called as bilateral balance.
Radial balance is form when the elements are placed equally around the centre.
Approximate symmetry is form when the arrangement of elements are equal but not identical around the centre.
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| Fig 3.12 - Example of Symmetrical Balance ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/sOfXZkhqx |
Asymmetrical balance
Asymmetrical balance happens when the visual weight of both side of the composition are not equal but are still balanced by filling the missing visual information with other elements.
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| Fig 3.13 - Example of Asymmetrical Balance ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4cDJ1HW4P |
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| Fig 3.14 - Example of Asymmetrical Balance ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/2F5Pbt3EL |
The Golden ratio
The Golden ratio which come from the Fibonacci sequence represent a mathematical concept, perfect beauty and guide to create visual balance.
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| Fig 3.15 - Example of the Golden ratio ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/1m4zTJbqF |
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| Fig 3.16 - Example of the Golden ratio ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/7Mqceyoko |
Rule of Thirds
A frame of an design is divided into nine equal parts by drawing two horizontal and vertical lines.
The focal point of the overall design is placed where these line cross or on one of the lines.
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| Fig 3.17 - Example of Rule of Thirds ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/2GRhAdbni |
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| Fig 3.18 - Example of Rule of Thirds ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3OxzmR2Gm |
Emphasis ( Dominance )
Emphasis comes in use when the specific visual elements of the design is enhance to bring more attention to it.
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| Fig 3.19 - Example of Emphasis ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/7rWGb1eLm |
Topic 3 - Repetition and Movement
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| My notes |
Repetition ~ Pattern & Rhythm
The use of repetitive visual elements in a design can establish rhythm and pattern by making it seem active.
Exciting rhythm can be form by variety when avoiding monotony whereas pattern can enrich surface interest and improve visual excitement in a design work.
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| Fig 3.20 - Example of Repetition ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) |
Source -https://pin.it/6ZlvNrtiC
Movement
The specific use of the visual elements can bring a design into life and make it seem in motion. These elements guide the viewer to follow the path of in, around, and through a composition.
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| Fig 3.21 - Example of Movement ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/5BA6Nln6k |
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| Fig 3.22 - Example of Movement ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/7qPpCRfr5 |
Hierarchy
Hierarchy is the control of visual information in an arrangement or presentation to imply importance.
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| Fig 3.23 - Example of Hierarchy ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3ER1DgSn9 |
Alignment
Alignment is the strategic arrangement of visual elements relative to one another or a common baseline, creating order, harmony, and visual appeal. https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/alignment-in-design-making-text-and-visuals-more-appealing/
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| Fig 3.24 - Example of Alignment ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4xCeemq2D |
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( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/7k6VfpMKm |
Topic 4 - Harmony and Unity
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| My notes |
Harmony
Harmony is formed when all the visual elements of a design aesthetically go well with each other with a touch of variety..jpeg) | |
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| Fig 3.27 - Example of Harmony ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3tAcVOspx |
Unity
Unity is formed when the particular elements of design work together in a way that give a sense of oneness and balance of a theme.
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| Fig 3.28 - Example of Unity ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4jx8m94gP |
Scale and Proportion
While both represents the size of an visual object; scale refers to the measurement of elements, while proportion is about the ratio between them. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-choose-right-scale-proportion-your-graphic
Scale
Scale refers to the relative size of an element in a design when compared to another element.
There is two way of determining scale: actual measurement and visual estimates based on comparison.
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| Fig 3.29 - Example of Scale ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/75knJm2q7 |
Proportion
Proportion is all about how objects relate to each other in terms of size, scale, shapes, and quantities between the various elements of a composition.%20kdrama.jpeg) |
| Fig 3.30 - Example of Proportion ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3UcddW4ni |
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| Fig 3.31 - Example of Proportion ( Week 2 | 11 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/3OtXLHkmX |
Topic 5 - Symbol, Word and Image
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| My notes |
Symbol
Symbol represents a concept or an idea which have a specific meaning or a whole story.
Symbols can be Pictorial, Abstract and Arbitrary.
Pictorial Symbols : images or pictures that convey message or create a theme.
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| Fig 3.32 - Example of Pictorial Symbol ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/70E6RddT5 |
Abstract Symbols : resemblances of the real world objects created into a more simplified version with less details.
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| Fig 3.33 - Example of Abstract Symbol ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/6iU3xpl6p |
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| Fig 3.34 - Example of Abstract Symbol ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/6ye6Nf104 |
Arbitrary Symbols : have no visual similarity to the feature they represent whereas the meaning is constructed for the viewer to learn.
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| Fig 3.35 - Example of Arbitrary Symbol ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4AgyHV05A |
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| Fig 3.36 - Example of Arbitrary Symbol ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/4Mwy5JsjO |
Word and Image
In design, word and images work together where words carry the message when the images explain or enhance the meaning.
https://ranchographics.wixsite.com/graphicdesign/word-and-image
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| Fig 3.37 - Example of Word and Image ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - https://pin.it/6TxUUrfHS |
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| Fig 3.38 - Example of Word and Image ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Source - Source - https://pin.it/4Mwy5JsjO |
An art or design piece of interest
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| Fig 3.39 ( Week 2 | 12 Feb 2025 ) Cover of Korean Historical Novel named "Heerangug Yeonga" | "Heeran Love Song" |
Source link - https://www.instagram.com
Title - 희란국 연가 ( Heeran Love Song )
Artist - DADACHYO
Year - 2019
Size - A4 (210 × 297 mm)
Medium - Digital illustration/novel cover
Reasons why I choose this artwork
The art style of this piece immediately caught my attention. It has a visually striking appeal that stood out the moment I scrolled through my favorite artists’ Instagrams. Also, the particular historical theme of this cover is something new compare to most of DADACHYO's works. The use of colors, composition, and the details made me pause and take a closer look. As I examined the piece further, I found myself drawn into its storytelling elements. The cover features a girl with an mysterious expression, raising many questions about her background and emotions. What is her story? What inspired the artist to portray her in this way? These unanswered questions make the artwork even more compelling to me. I appreciate how the design leaves room for interpretation while maintaining a strong aesthetic presence. This combination of visual beauty and narrative depth is why I chose this artwork. It inspires me to think beyond the surface and consider the emotions and stories conveyed through design.
Design Principles I found in the artwork
The design is asymmetrically balanced as the girl's face is off-center and it is balanced by the placement of the spreading objects. The soft pastel tones of the girl's skin and clothing contrast with her dark hair and bright color objects. The emphasis is on the girl's face, especially her glowing, vacant eyes contrasting with the warmth of her surrounding. The flowing hair and fabric create a sense of movement, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition. The knife, wilted flowers, and pearls symbolizes violence, tragedy, sorrow and wealth. Every element feels carefully placed which creates a harmonious scene.
4. FEEDBACK
Week 1 ( 3 Feb 2025 )
General feedback: Create Blog page, explore pre-recorded lectures/notes and post Task 1 (1-4)
Week 2 ( 10 Feb 2025 )
General feedback: Written text and images are appropriate but can be improved.
Specific feedback: Including link for the text source is good. Should properly provide the source of each image and text. Should not just write the word 'Source'. Correct the format of the blog by looking through some example blogs and youtube links post on teams.
Week 3 ( 17 Feb 2025 )
General feedback: The explanation is good and appropriate design principles are highlighted.
Specific feedback: Still need to add reflection and quick links.
5. REFLECTIONS
Completing task 1 was a valuable experience that level up my understanding of fundamental design principles. By looking at different art/design works, I get to see how these principles work together to create visually compelling and meaningful compositions.
One of the most interesting part was exploring about Gestalt Theory. I realized how principles such as proximity, similarity, and closure effect how we see and interpret designs. Also, observing contrast and emphasis helped me appreciate how designers use these techniques to direct attention and highlight the message they want to convey.
Selecting an art/design work that resonated with me was particularly engaging. Analyzing it closely helped me recognize various design principles in action and connect theory and real-world examples. Writing about my observations also improved my ability to describe and critique design clearly.
Receiving feedback from my lecturer was also very beneficial for refining my task even better. I learned how to format the blog correctly and to provide citation properly. Overall, I feel more confident in using these principles in my own work and analyzing other designs effectively while ensuring proper academic guidelines and formatting.
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