Thursday, February 14, 2008

Notes from chapter 4

What is Design?

  • Figure-ground, contrast grouping, proximity, similarity, continuation, and unity provide the structure of elements such as point, line, and plane, or shape, color, texture, and space.

Design and Perception

  • Gestalt theory: perceiving of an object as s whole is greater than the sum of its parts. èprimary reason that the designer’s primary objective to create unity.

Point, Line, and Plane

  • A point is a smallest elements on the page regardless of its size
  • A line is a mark whose lengths are greater than its widths.
  • A thick line can translate into a plan.

Space

  • Referring to both the illusion of depth and physical space in which designer manipulate compositions.
    • Overlapping is good example of illusion of depth.
    • Transparency and overllpaing two forms can create an illusion of space.
    • Good sites to check out:

Unity and Variety

  • Unity is the presentation of a unified image. èCongruent relationship between type, graphics, and shapes.
  • Ways to Achieve Unity
    • Proximity
    • Repetition
    • Continuation : planned arrangement of various forms so that their edges are lined up. Grid determines page margins and divides the format into areas used.

Emphasis, Focal Point, and Hierarchy

  • Focal point: starting point in the design and it is the prominent place in the hierarchical order. Isolation and value draw attention to design.
    • Usually is the company’s name
  • Hierarchy is the order in which users see things on the page.
    • Determined by the importance of each elementèhow we define it.

Contrast: visual opposition

  • Positive and negative space è fundamental components of contrast
  • Heighten the overall visual effect.
  • Size is the basic and most frequently used form of contrast in design.

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