03/02/25 - 17/02/25 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Andrea Choo Qin Hui (0366959)
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 : The 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 |
・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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