Design Principles | Task 1 Exploration
SEM 1.5
WEEK 1-3 (DEADLINE WEEK 3)
Edita Chew En
Thung / 0357357
Design Principles | GCD60804
Bachelor
of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's
University
Task 1 : Exploration
Table of Content
REFLECTION
FURTHER READING
INSTRUCTIONS
Module Information Booklet [MIB] Design Principles
LECTURES
The first class was all about the briefing of our very first task,
deadlines, submissions and requirements whatnot. We ourselves learn about
the design principles like balance, contrast, unity, emphasis, etc. And how they
make designs look full as a whole. Now, for our first assignment, we have to
analyse the design principles using the lecture slides and video provided.
It's a chance for us to really understand how these ideas work in real
designs and to start thinking like designers ourselves.
PROCESS
Design Principles ; /dɪˈzʌɪnˈprɪnsɪpl/
recap:
Gestalt theory
Gestalt theory is how humans perceive and organise visual information,
highlighting the importance of our perception and the role of perceptual
principles in shaping or forming. Making us understand the world around us.
Seeing them in either single or uniformed shapes, rather than separate
single simple shapes or forms. They are essentially helping us to
reduce complex images to more simple shapes.
Wholeness:
The gestalt theory emphasises that the human mind perceives or sees objects
or scenes as unified "wholes", organising the visual elements
into cohesive and meaningful patterns in our eyes.
Closure:
When there is incomplete or even fragmented information, our mind tends to
fill in the missing parts to perceive a complete image to make it look
"full" as it brings closure.
Proximity:
Elements that are close to each other are seen together or as if they're
forming a group, even if they're not physically connected.
Similarity:
Elements that are similar in their appearance, eg. colour, shapes or even
sizes, are usually seen as a group that belongs to each other.
Continuity:
Humans tend to perceive smooth, continuous lines or even patterns, they are
still seen to the mind even if they're disrupted by other elements.
Figure/Ground:
Objects are instinctively perceived as either foreground or background.
Either they stand out at the front or back. The main focus or the background are either perceived as objects or
elements.
e.g.
fig 1.2 | Figure/Ground link to source here.
LAW of SYMMETRY and ORDER
The law of symmetry and order states that elements that are symmetrical to
each other are usually seen and perceived as a unified group as it is
similar to the law of similarity. Objects that are symmetrical with one
another is be more likely to be grouped together than objects that are
not.
Contrast
It is the
juxtaposition of the strongly dissimilar elements, as it creates a unique difference and providing a point to emphasise on
to experience content rather than being monotonous.
e.g.
Emphasis
Emphasis is used to create a focus on the dominance in an artwork or
design. There are many ways to create emphasis using the various elements,
like using colour, shapes, values to achieve the desired outcome of
dominance.
This is an artwork that emphasises the head like an orange and surrealism and
the irony of weird proportions to emphasise the artwork.
fig 1.4 | emphasis |
link to source here.
Balance
Balance is the visual equilibrium of the elements that
brings an image to appear balanced as it can be both symmetrical or
asymmetrical.
Balance itself is the distribution of visual weight in terms of artworks or
designs.
Symmetrical Balance: It has equal visual weight of a centrally placed fulcrum
as it has an equal arrangement of elements on either side of the central
axis resulting in balance. Approximate symmetry is when the equivalent but
not identical forms are arranged around the line of the fulcrum.
Asymmetrical Balance:
It has an unequal visual weight on each side of the composition
of the design or artwork as one side of the composition might have a heavier
or dominant element that gives the unbalanced ratio. The other side might
have some lesser focal points to make that kind of dynamic of the
asymmetrical balance, giving more variety but although it is more
complex.
The Golden Ratio
Also known as phi, The Golden Ratio is a concept that goes on indefinitely
like a math concept as it comes from the Fibonacci sequence. Over centuries
of use, people have found it as a representative of the perfect beauty,
a guide to create a visual balance
in architecture, paintings and artworks as it can be used to bring
harmony, balance and structure
to an artwork or design.
fig 1.5 | The Golden Ratio |
link to source here.
The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that
creates a dynamic concept to the artwork or design as it its
divided evenly into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
The subject can be placed on the intersection of the dividing lines or even
on the lines itself.
Repetition | pattern & rhythm
*variety brings a slight change or difference in elements and objects
used in a composition to avoid being too boring.
fig 1.6 | Repetition |
link to source here.
Pattern & Rhythm
fig 1.7 & 1.8 | Pattern & Rhythm | link to source here.
Movement
Indicates
the way a design can lead the eye in, around and through a
composition,
in short, the path that our eye follow motion or simply, movement in a
visual image, making it seem like it's moving.
Movement can come in many kinds and forms like shapes, lines and
curves.
fig 1.9 | Movement | link to source here.
Alignment
It is the placement of the elements that
edges the line up along the common rows or columns, making it
look like they belong to a common centre. Alignment
creates a sense of unity and cohesion that contributes to the
design's overall aesthetic and perceived stability as it has the ability to
lead a person through a design or artwork.
Harmony
Harmony consists of elements of common traits, and without
variety, the artwork or design will be monotonous.
Harmony is when elements of the design fits the theme, aesthetic, style
or even mood together.
Unity
It is a
repetition of particular elements throughout the artwork or design,
it could be in shapes, forms, colours or even materials to
make it look united or look together. Unity gives a sense of wholeness as
one, creating a theme by the way they are composed in a design.
Scale & Proportion
This involves the size of the design elements. Scale is the size of an object
in relation to other objects in an artwork or design. Parts of an object in
relationship to other parts of the same object refers to the proportion size.
Scale
It refers to the size and dimension of the forms and figures relative to a
specific unit that measures.
Scale (cont'd)
The use of scales are also used in architectural drawings and models are some
of the examples. The scales specify the details of the drawings for the us of
the relative sized objects. It can create dramatic results with our visual
interest in mind witch the composition and design at place.
Proportion
Proportion in design is the relationship between 2 or more elements in the
composition as we compare how they are to each other in size, colour,
quantity, degree, setting, ratios. Proportion can be harmonious when a correct
relationship forms between these said elements with the respective sizes and
quantity by using harmony and unity as a result.
Symbol
A sign, shape or object used to represent something, and in design, it can
convey meaning and information with a story behind it.
.jpg)
fig 2.3 | Symbols
Pictorial symbols
- They are image-related simplified pictures.
Abstract symbols
- They are abstract symbols that can look like the objects they represent
but a less detailed symbol.
Arbitrary symbols
- They have no resemblance to objects or the ideas they represent, it is
invented with meaning constructed, many are based on geometric shapes and
colours.
Word and Image
Design relies a lot on imagery as it can be printed or digital. Users and
audiences are able to relate to a concept brand if it is rightly used for the
design or artwork. It is important to use
suitable and relevant images
when designing. Choosing the most suitable words to pair with imagery is the
most important to be done when designing, and as a designer or artist, it
would be deepening the meaning of the design made. Typography is essential to
convey the right message.
UNSDG GOAL
Chosen UNSDG Goal: 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institution.
Description: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels.
fig 2.4 | UNSDG - Peace | link to source here.
UNSDG Goal 16 : One of it is to Reduce violence, raising the awareness
of unjust violence.
ART PIECES
fig 2.5 | Peace and War, 1629 by Peter Paul Rubens
fig 2.6 | Guernica (Picasso)
Peter Paul Rubens' "Peace and War" painting, created in 1629, showcases a
gripping allegory of the opposing conditions of peacefulness and fighting.
The acclaimed Baroque artwork
portrays an enchanting feminine figure holding an olive branch as Peace
personified to symbolise concordance and negotiation; whereas conflict
is depicted by chaotic soldiers brandishing weapons resulting in
agitation and brutality.
This masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder that both these forces
simultaneously exist within our world with compelling themes
advocating for enduring peace while highlighting disastrous outcomes
from war.
Ruben's artistry application involving symbolic representation produces
mesmerising scenes reflecting his narrative depicting comparable encounters
between viewers
urging reflection upon resolving conflicts through dialogue opposed to
violent measures.
Guernica (Picasso):
"Guernica," an influential artwork by Pablo Picasso, was created in
1937. It criticises war and represents the destructive bombing of Guernica
during Spain's civil conflict.
The famous painting
portrays distorted figures to convey the harsh realities of warfare and
symbolise civilian suffering resulting from violent acts.
The message conveyed is clear -
condemning oppression while advocating for peace and human dignity.
This impactful masterpiece serves as a constant reminder about armed
conflicts' grave consequences,
promoting compassion, empathy, and solidarity even amid challenging
times like these.
Through its enduring
inspiration worldwide towards peaceful coexistence despite adversity or
differences over time; this powerful work continues to inspire people everywhere.
Visual Analysis (research + extraction)(Guernica):
With an achromatic background featuring black, white and grey hues, this
painting displays a scene depicting the devastation that followed after
Guernica, a Basque town-was bombed during Spain's Civil War in complete
chaos.
The focal/centre point of the artwork portrays a horse in distress, with its
eyes filled with fear. In my research, many interpret this animal as representing innocent
victims who suffer during wartime conflicts. It depicts their soul-crushed experiences while being caught up in crossfire situations. Imagery surrounding the figure includes various dislocated figures
displaying distorted forms with mournful expressions. A mother holding her lifeless child to a spear-wounded
bull or even a mutilated soldier that cannot seem to be identified normally, all depicting trauma and loss experienced by Guernica's inhabitants on both
physically and psychologically.
The piece displayed a jagged
outline that communicated a feeling of disorder with
the bombing's destruction. The composition displayed broken swords, ruined
buildings, and flames devouring almost everything to trigger the emotions
relating to hopelessness with the constant despair. Despite these elements, symbols are representing resilience are still seen, like the candle piercing through darkness as well as a dove hovering
above remnants of devastation, indicating the long waited peace to come.
The artwork of "Guernica" by Picasso portrays the cruelty of war and
human resilience, it gives hope through abstraction and symbolism. By using
colours, form, composition, audiences are exposed to witness wartime horrors
while being compelled to think about how urgent it is for peace, compassion
as well as solidarity against violence in our society. The painting is as a
great example that art could inspire empathy toward others' sufferings which
ultimately lead towards social change.
Extracted Design Principles:
"Guernica"'s composition, there is the use of texture, form, colour, contrast, symbolism, emphasis, and unity, contributing the effectiveness as a powerful work of art.
Why Guernica?
Guernica depicts the tragedy of the war, human resilience against this
injustice. Guernica portrays the atrocities of war and human resilience, it gives hope through the abstraction and symbolism.
100-150 words Rationale/Visual analysis
"Guernica" by Picasso was created in response to the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, which aligned with UNSDG Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The painting is an example of a powerful anti-war statement, denouncing violence and advocating for peace and justice. Picasso's Guernica in relation to UNSDG Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions due to its depiction of the horrors of war and the urgent need for peace and justice. The chaotic composition, distorted figures, and stark monochromatic palette in Guernica symbolise the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities. The painting serves as a powerful visual narrative, supporting Goal 16 by highlighting the consequences of violence and the necessity for strong institutions to prevent such atrocities. Guernica's emotionally charged imagery prompts reflection on the importance of peace, justice, and the establishment of strong institutions to foster a world free from the ravages of war and conflict, aligning with the call for peace and justice in UNSDG Goal 16.
FEEDBACK
As I reflect on my blog's progress, my tutor provided some insightful advice, urging me to refine the composition and dive deeper into the connection between Picasso's Guernica and my chosen UNSDG Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
To enhance my blog, I plan to dissect specific elements of Guernica that deeply resonate with the principles of peace, justice, and strong institutions. The chaotic composition, a vivid symbol of war's disorder, reinforces the urgent need for peace. The distorted figures in the painting serve as poignant representations of the injustices rampant in conflicts, compelling a call for justice. I'll emphasize the crucial role of strong institutions in preventing such atrocities.
In an effort to engage my readers emotionally, I'll weave in storytelling techniques, allowing them to connect more profoundly with Guernica. Integrating visuals and excerpts from my tutor's feedback will illustrate points on composition improvement. By explicitly linking Guernica's visual elements to the ideals of UNSDG Goal 16, my aim is to strengthen thematic coherence and effectively convey Picasso's powerful message.
REFLECTION
In my exploration of design principles, I've taken the time to observe and analyze various aspects such as balance, rhythm, and proportion. By doing so, I've gained a deeper understanding of how these principles influence the effectiveness of a design in achieving its goals. Furthermore, I've actively sought out existing designs that demonstrate these principles in action and are relevant to my chosen objectives. Through this process, I've been able to identify and appreciate the significance of design in both aesthetics and functionality, helping me to improve my own approach to design challenges.
FURTHER READING
link to source here.
Artist Françoise Gilot, who passed away in June at the age of 101, gained fame for being the only woman to walk out on Picasso, her former partner.
In 1964, she authored a bestselling memoir with journalist Carlton Lake, where she candidly recounts her tumultuous ten-year relationship with Picasso. Gilot's memoir reflects on both the positive and negative aspects of their romance, highlighting Picasso's artistic guidance alongside instances of abuse. Beyond merely gossiping about Picasso's character, Gilot's memoir serves as a proto-feminist analysis, exploring how male genius often comes at the expense of female exploitation. She concludes that Picasso struggled to maintain relationships with women, shedding light on the complexities of artistic partnerships.
fig 2.7
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