Design Principles - Task 1

03/02/25 - 17/02/25 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Andrea Choo Qin Hui (0366959)
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 1 : Exploration 

INSTRUCTIONS




PRACTICAL

Week 1

             Gestalt Theory : 
             - Gestalt Theory explains how people perceive the world and visual elements. 
             - Humans are wired to recognise patterns, logic and structure. 
             - "Gestalt" means "shape" or "form" in German. 
             - The theory simplifies complex scenes into basic shapes. 

             Contrast : 
             - Contrast is the juxtaposition of dissimilar elements. 
             - Without contrast, visuals would be monotonous.
             - Contrast adds interest, emphasizes points and conveys meaning.

Figure 1.1 Contrast Artwork

            Figure 1.1 : The strong color difference and/or contrast between the red rabbit and the 
                                  yellow background makes it easy to see the rabbit shape as separate from 
                                  what's behind it. This helps the viewer quickly understand the image and 
                                  focus on the rabbit, which emphasizes the message about not 
                                  underestimating your enemy. Our brains naturally see the rabbit as a 
                                  complete form, even though it's just a simple outline.

             Balance : 
             - Balance is the distribution of visual weight in a design.
             - It creates visual equilibrium, making the composition appear stable.
             - Balance can be symmetrical (equal on both sides) or asymmetrical (uneven but still 
                visually stable).

Figure 1.2 Balance Artwork
https://pin.it/6bYW70hcI

            Figure 1.2 : The image achieves balance through symmetry, with the two nearly 
                                  identical black cats mirroring each other on either side of the central 
                                  white womanly figure. The similarity in shape and colour of the cats 
                                  further enhances this balance, as our minds naturally group similar 
                                  elements, resulting in a visually pleasing and harmonious composition.

             Emphasis : 
             - Emphasis creates dominance and focus in a design. 
             - Elements like colour, shapes or value are used to achieve emphasis and dominance. 

Figure 1.3 Emphasis Artwork
https://pin.it/525hgLgoK

            Figure 1.3 : The emphasis in the image is effectively achieved through a stark contrast in
                                  colour and the disruption of a visual pattern. The consistent arrangement of
                                  white eyes against a black background creates a uniform pattern that is 
                                  strikingly broken by the presence of two red eyes. This anomaly 
                                  immediately draws the viewer's attention, making the red eyes the clear 
                                  focal point of the composition. 

             Repetition : 
             - Repetition adds movement and energy to a design.
             - It creates rhythm and pattern, making the composition more dynamic. 
             - Variety prevents monotony, keeping the design engaging.
             - Patterns enhance visual interest by enriching surface details.

Figure 1.4 Repetition Artwork
https://pin.it/7MXMqXWBm

               Figure 1.4 : The image uses repetition by showing the same face shape over and over 
                                     again, slightly shifted each time. The repetition in the image lies in the 
                                     recurring outline of a human profile, presented multiple times in a 
                                     sequence. This repetition isn't exact; each profile is slightly offset, creating
                                     a sense of depth and rhythm. 

             Movement : 
             - Movement refers to the way a design leads the eye through a composition.
             - It occurs when objects seem to move within the image.
             - Movement is created by the shapes, forms, lines and curves used in the design.

Figure 1.5 Movement Artwork
https://pin.it/5df69PcNk

               Figure 1.5 : T
he image shows movement because of all the swirling white lines around 
                                     the dancer. These lines are like a light trail, capturing where she's moved 
                                     during a longer period of time. It's like seeing the path of her dance all at 
                                     once, making you feel like she's spinning and twirling.

             Harmony & Unity : 
             - Harmony involves selecting elements with a common trait.
             - Without variety, harmony can become monotony.
             - Harmony creates a sense that all elements of design fit together, often matching a 
                theme, style or mood. 

Figure 1.6 Harmony & Unity Artwork
https://pin.it/7JO5uSSGG

            Figure 1.6 : 
The image feels harmonious and unified because all the faces are connected 
                                  and flow into each other. They all use similar shades of gray, which makes 
                                  them look like they belong together. Because of how the faces overlap and 
                                  blend, it creates a feeling of oneness. It's like they're all part of one big 
                                  style or mood.

             Symbol : 
             - A symbol is a sign, shape or object used to represent something else.
             - In design, symbols convey information, equivalent to sentences or even a whole story.

Figure 1.7 Symbol Artwork
https://pin.it/fsZ9vHpN2

            Figure 1.7 : The image presents a collection of four distinct yet related abstract symbols. 
                                  Each shape is a bit different, but they all use the same basic circle and 
                                  connected lines idea. Because they all look similar, it's like they're a part of 
                                  and connectivity of the circles differentiate the symbols, while the shared 
                                  a set or a family.

             Word & Image : 
             - Imagery is essential in design, helping users connect with a concept or brand.
             - Selecting relevant images enhances the effectiveness of a design.
             - Typography involves designing and arranging text to convey meaning.
             - Pairing the right words with imagery creates visual hierarchy and balance.

Figure 1.8 Word & Image Artwork
https://pin.it/3o9XlCkpH

            Figure 1.8 : The image effectively combines imagery and typography to communicate its
                                  message. The central image of a mediating figure serves as a visual symbol 
                                  for the image's theme (relaxation & wellbeing). The typography reinforces 
                                  this concept as it's put in a bold and large font which immediately grabs the 
                                  attention of the viewers. Both the image and text complement each other,    
                                  with the visual enhancing the understanding of the words and the words 
                                  providing context to the viewers.  

Week 2

Figure 2.0 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci ; 1495 - 1498 ; Tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic ; 18 in x 346 in
The Last Supper Wikipedia

I chose 'The Last Supper' because it is a painting I have seen multiple times in movies, the most memorable one for me being 'The Simpsons', making it both memorable and impactful. Its iconic composition, dramatic expressions and strong use of perspective leave a lasting impression, making it instantly recognizable. Leonardo da Vinci's painting captures Jesus' final meal with his disciples, where he reveals that one of them will betray him. The way the figures are arranged, with Jesus at the center and his disciples reacting dramatically around him, which emphasizes his importance. Since the painting is often referenced in films and other media, it highlights how art can transcend time and influence storytelling across different mediums. The lasting presence of 'The Last Supper' in popular culture makes it a strong example of how design principles, such as balance, contrast, and unity, contribute to the effectiveness and memorability of an artwork.

             Design Principles Observed : 
                  Balance  The composition is symmetrically arranged around Jesus in the center.
                  Emphasis  Jesus is the focal point. highlighted by perspective lines and his 
                  central placement.
                  Contrast – Light and dark tones create depth and highlight important figures.
                  Movement – The gestures and expressions of the apostles guide the viewer's eye 
                  across the painting.
                  Unity & Harmony – The figures are connected through their poses, gestures and 
                  emotions, creating a cohesive scene.
                  Proportion & Scale – The figures are realistically proportioned and the 
                  perspective enhances spatial depth.


FEEDBACK

Week 2
- No feedback, did not attend class since my session was over

Week 3
- Add description for all the images used for the examples


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