Design Principle TASK 1 - Exploration

Khansa Raudlatus Syahiidah / 0374511

Course: Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Module: Design Principles

Task 1: Exploration 

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Table of Contents:

1. Lectures
2. Instruction
3. Task 1
4. Feedback

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1. Lectures

Elements of Design

1. POINT

• A point dot is the simplest element of design.
• A point used as a repetitive mark forms a line.
• As the point moves in space, other two- and three- dimensional figures and forms are created.

2. LINE

• Lines can be active or static, aggressive or passive, sensual or mechanical.
• Lines can indicate directions, define boundaries of shapes and spaces, imply volumes or solid masses, and suggest motion or emotion.
• Lines can also be grouped to depict qualities of light and shadow and to form patterns and textures.

3. SHAPE

• Refers to the expanse within the outline of two-dimensional area or within the three-dimensional object.
• Becomes visible when a line or lines enclose an area or when an apparent change in value (lightness/darkness), color or texture sets an area apart from its surroundings.
• Two general category of shapes – geometric & organic.
• Geometric – circles, squares, triangles, etc. – tend to be precise and regular.

4. FORM

• Whereas a two-dimensional area is referred to as a shape, a three dimensional area is called a form.
• When form encloses space, the space is called volume.
• Form is often a major element in sculpture and architecture. 
• With two-dimensional media, such as painting, illustration or drawing, form must be implied.

5. TEXTURE

• In visual communication design, texture refers to the tactile qualities of surfaces or to the visual representation of those qualities.
• All surfaces have textures that can be experienced by touching or through visual suggestion.
• Two categories of texture – actual (experienced by touch) & simulated or implied (created to look like the real texture). 

6. SPACE

• Space is the indefinable, general receptacle of all things – the seemingly empty space around us.
• In drawings, prints, photographs and paintings, we see the space of the surface all at once.
• The actual space of each picture’s surface is defined by its edges – the two dimensions of height and width.
• Yet, within these limited boundaries, an infinite number of spatial qualities can be implied.

7. SPACE (cont'd)

• We experience three-dimensional space when we are there, starting with how we relate to other individuals, objects, surfaces, and voids at different distances from us.
• From the outside, we experience mass.
• From the inside, we experience volume. 

• The area that a shape or form takes up is referred to as space or depth in graphic design. There are two types of space: positive (full space) and negative (empty space).
• The illusion of a three-dimension space can be suggested through depth.
• This can be achieved by overlapping of images, the variation of sizes, placement and perspective.

8. COLOR

• Color is the visual byproduct of the spectrum of light as it is either transmitted through a transparent medium, or as it is absorbed and reflected off a surface. Color is the light wavelengths that the human eye receives and processes from a reflected source. 
• Each of the millions of colors human beings can distinguish is identifiable in terms of just three variables: 

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2. Instruction

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3. Task 1 - Exploration

Recap:

To describe, each of the design principles listed and select suitable design examples to demonstrate your understanding.

3.1. Gestalt Theory

    Gestalt theory or laws are rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements. A humanistic, experiential psychotherapy that emphasizes growing self-awareness, personal accountability, and comprehension of the "here and now" and was created by Fritz and Laura Perls in the 1940s.

3.2 Contrast

    The principle of contrast specifically highlights differences between elements to attract attention, create focal points, and establish visual hierarchy.

3.3 Emphasis

    highlights specific elements to create a visual hierarchy and guide user attention, often by breaking established patterns (like similarity or proximity) or using contrast.

3.4 Balance

The rule that determines how visual weight—color, size, texture, and space—is distributed to produce harmony, stability, and structure. It directs the viewer's eye through the design and makes sure that no single element of a composition feels overly weighty. Asymmetrical (uneven weights adjusted), symmetrical (mirror image), and radial (radiating from center) are important varieties. 

3.5 Repetition

Involves reusing the same or similar visual elements—such as colors, fonts, shapes, or textures—throughout a composition to create unity, consistency, and emphasis.

3.6 Movement

the principle used to guide a viewer’s eye through a composition, creating a visual path, flow, or sense of action.

3.7 Harmony & Unity

Unity and harmony in design create a cohesive, visually pleasing whole, ensuring all elements feel connected and purposeful. Unity provides the overall structure through repetition and proximity, while harmony adds consistency in color, shape, and texture, making diverse parts fit together.

3.8 Symbol

Symbol principles of design focus on creating simple, memorable, and universally understood visuals that convey complex ideas instantly. Key principles include clarity of meaning, visual simplicity, consistency, and versatility across sizes.

3.9 Word & Image

Principles of design for word and image, such as balance, contrast, hierarchy, and unity, organize typography and visuals to create effective, legible, and aesthetically pleasing compositions. These principles guide viewer attention through visual weight and arrangement, ensuring a clear message is communicated, often enhanced by white space and repetition.

Part B: Selected Artwork

Title: Yellow Couch

Artist: Maria sisul

Year: 2022

Medium: Acrylic painting

Source: https://www.mariasisul.com/

Why I chose this design?

Originally, I came up with this design as she was one of my favorite artists. Apart from just the final look on Maria's painting, I love seeing the process and effort she put into creating her paintings. As she also appears as an artist on YouTube, we are able to see her process, and all the things she conveyed / shared on all her videos. One thing that interests me is how most of her paintings are made from real pictures. Although this painting may look simple, I believe when an artist has chosen one specific picture to recreate, it must have held memories or something they value from it.

Observing the painting, one thing you can see is the composition is visually balanced through the centered doorway. Although the left side shows more interior and the right side shows more outdoor space, the visual weight feels stable and calm. Repetition is also shown through the rectangular shapes on one side of the doorway. And movement is the far drawn tree, making it seem like the object further than the doorway.

[180 words]

Design principles observed in this painting:

1. Gestalt theory
2. Contrast
3. Emphasis
4. Balance
5. Repetition
6. Harmony & Unity
7. Movement

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4. Feedbacks

Week 2:

As I first showed Mr. Fauzi the progress of my blogspot and Task 1 design principles, everything was fine and I can move forward to continue with my work.

Week 3:

After showing my chosen design, I was able to proceed to elaborate my chosen poster. As my poster was a little to small to be clearly seen, Mr. Fauzi told me to make it bigger for a better view.

Week 4:

After showing Mr. Fauzi my progress, I was told to elaborate more on the correlations of my chosen poster and the design principles, try connecting the design principles to one another.