Design Principles
14.4.2020 - 19.5.2020 / Week 1 - Week 5
Lee Sean / 0337001
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design(Hons) in Creative Media
Instruction
Week 5
Symbol, Imagery & Typography
Lecture
In week 5 lecture, our lecturer had introduced us to the following topics
- Symbol (Pictorial, Abstract, Arbitrary)
- Imagery
- Typography
Pictorial Symbol
Image from:
(Design elements - Shopping pictograms | Shopping pictograms - Vector stencils library | Design Pictorial Infographics. Design Infographics | Shopping Pictograms, n.d.)
Fig 5.2
Abstract Symbol
Image from:
Shutterstock.com. n.d. Vector Set Abstract Icons Symbols Ideas Stock Vector (Royalty Free) 427661893. [online] Available at: <https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/vector-set-abstract-icons-symbols-ideas-427661893> [Accessed 19 May 2020].
Fig 5.3
Arbitrary Symbol
Image from: Medium. 2020. A Brief History Of Iconography. [online] Available at: <https://medium.com/@pdtv/a-brief-history-of-iconography-c20d8a0cc2c4> [Accessed 19 May 2020].
Week 5 Exercise
- Design an arbitrary symbol and write a 20 to 50 words rationale for your final design.
- Create a design that has a combination of imagery and typography. If you are using photographs it must be your own.
Exercise 5
A work of design for each of the design principles
Arbitrary Symbol, Imagery and Typography
Arbitrary Symbol
Fig 5.4
The main inspiration came from a time where I was in a zoom meeting room. I was looking at the screen and a few people disconnected and is trying to reconnect. I saw the word "reconnecting" on their cam and I was wondering what if instead of showing the word it shows a symbol. Like a symbol for roadsigns I was wondering how it would look it if it is used to represent the word connect/reconnect.
Fig 5.5
Chosen Ideas
Fig 5.6
Arbitrary 1
For 3 of the ideas I tried to use the Golden Ratio to do the digital version. I never really use it before but I watched some video tutorial of how to use the Golden Ratio. Hopefully I used it correctly.
Fig 5.7
Arbitrary 1
Colours
Fig 5.8
Arbitrary 1
I decided to pick this colour in Fig 5.8 because it feels very smoothing and soothing, but after experiment with it. It doesn't give me the same as impression as the concept I had. It feels different from what I was going for so I went back to the simple black and white because when I look at it I immediately can see the concept I wanted to show.
Fig 5.9
Arbitrary 2
For this design I was trying to show reconnecting by showing how the shapes and joining one another. This design looks like a tree for me and it's showing how the branches are joining each other.
One of a feedback I had received from my lecturer was I can try to take away the base.
Fig 5.10
Arbitrary 2
Fig 5.11
Arbitrary 3
Fig 5.12
Final
Arbitrary Symbol
This symbol is designed to represent the word connect/reconnect. There was once where I was in a zoom meeting call and someone disconnected, and the word reconnecting is appearing on his face cam. So I was thinking what if I can come up with a symbol that represents that. It also made me realise almost most of the online call apps such as Skype, zoom etc... doesn't really have a symbol for it.
The design is showing a metal chain holding each other to represent the connection. At the same time the negative space in the middle is showing 2 stickman's arm holding each other.
The design is showing a metal chain holding each other to represent the connection. At the same time the negative space in the middle is showing 2 stickman's arm holding each other.
Imagery & Typography
Fig 5.13
Rose
Photographer: Lee Sean
Date of photo taken: 17/5/2020
Fig 5.14
Danbo
Photographer: Lee Sean
Date of photo taken: 17/5/2020
Fig 5.15
Guitar
Photographer: Lee Sean
Date of photo taken: 17/5/2020
Rose
Fig 5.16 Fig 5.17
Danbo Character
Fig 5.18 Fig 5.19
Guitar
Fig 5.20 Fig 5.21
Fig 5.22
Rose
Second attempt
Danbo Character
Second Attempt
Fig 5.23 Fig 5.24
Fig 5.25
Guitar
Second Attempt
Fig 5.26
Imagery and Typography
Final
The picture is showing a small cardboard character being in a very tight space, and looking out the window. The colour is also being set to black and white to enhance the loneliness feeling.
Self written reflection
I like how the words are following the pattern of the curtain but I think the picture can be taken in a better quality, it is a bit blurry. The lighting can be improved as well.
The picture is showing a small cardboard character being in a very tight space, and looking out the window. The colour is also being set to black and white to enhance the loneliness feeling.
Self written reflection
I like how the words are following the pattern of the curtain but I think the picture can be taken in a better quality, it is a bit blurry. The lighting can be improved as well.
Week 4
Harmony, Unity, Proportion
Lecture
In week 4 lecture, our lecturer had introduced us to the following topics
- Harmony
- Unity
- Proportion
Image from: https://www.patternanddesign.com/simple-guide-to-the-principles-of-design/
Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Aa-HiCXHx947_M5Ljd0rO8p6HZDsd76H6V8hz9KM7HHYwMlTxhJa4M0/
Week 4 Exercise
We are to produce a work of design in A4 size that reflect that specific week's topic, using various required materials for each week. Each week's topic involves about 2-3 design principles that we must produce a design for each of the design principles we learned in that week.
Exercise 4
A work of design for each of the design principles
Harmony and Unity
Harmony and Unity
Sketches
Chosen Ideas
After having the consultation and receiving a few feedbacks from the lecturer. I chose a few ideas that have the potential and I started to try out a few suggestions of how can I improve the work from the lecturer.
Progress with
the chosen ideas
Finalised
artwork sketch
I had a small consultation with my and then I tried to experiment a bit more with the finalised ideas. I was just trying to work on the shapes, strokes, deciding whether should I add certain element, will they enhance the Harmony Unity or will they make it worse.
Final Outcome
Harmony
All the different type of blue blend really well together they look more better with the tiny contrast from the tree. All the elements in this work are harmonising well.
I like how the colour works together but I think I can find a better subject to be place other than a tree. The placement of the tree feels very off for me.Self written reflection
Final Outcome
Unity
All the tiny shapes in the design are working together to build a giant Pyramid.
Self written reflection
I like the concept but it look very messy. some of the shapes are not properly align and some of it looks unnatural.Week 3
Repetition, Movement, Hierarchy & Alignment
Lecture
In week 3 lecture, our lecturer had introduced us to the following topics
- Repetition
- Movement
- Hierarchy
- Alignment
Image from: Thinglink.com. n.d. Repetition By Tony. [online] Available at: <https://www.thinglink.com/scene/566086012338438144> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Pinterest. n.d. Rhythm (With Images) | Principles Of Design Movement, Rhythm In Design, Principles Of Design. [online] Available at: <https://www.pinterest.com/pin/389913280210301349/>
[Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: https://www.canva.com/learn/design-elements-principles/
Image from: https://dribbble.com/shots/1902171-Design-Principle-Alignment
Week 3 Exercise
We are to produce a work of design in A4 size that reflect that specific week's topic, using various required materials for each week. Each week's topic involves about 2-3 design principles that we must produce a design for each of the design principles we learned in that week.
Exercise 3
A work of design for each of the design principles
Repetition and Movement
Repetition Sketches
After having consultation with my lecturer. I picked out a few ideas and try to improve them and making more option for each ideas.
Final Outcome
Repetition
The similar shapes and colour pattern is being used over and over again to represent repetition.
Self Written Reflection
I like this work, it kind of reminds of the traditional Japanese fish lamp during festivals. One improvement I think can be made is with the shapes, it doesn't look very organised and some of it is crooked.
Movement Sketches
There are some of the design I think I did very badly, so I had to redo some of the ideas in the next page and I had to throw away some of the sketches because I am very not used to watercolour and it just turned very badly.
Final Outcome
First attempt
After receiving a few feedbacks from my lecturer. I went back to work on the ideas that could have the potential to show movement.
Final Outcome
Second Attempt
Movement
Movement in this work is shown with the stroke pattern. The pattern at the bottom right part of the colours is showing like a brush being dragged across.
Self written reflection
Honestly this looks okay to me, it's acceptable for showing movement but in terms of design it doesn't look great. I probably need to research more before I start doing the task.
Week 2
Emphasis, Balance, The Golden Ratio & Rule of Thirds
Lecture
In week 2 lecture, our lecturer had introduced us to the following topics
- Emphasis
- Balance (Symmetrical Balance, Asymmetrical Balance)
- The Golden Ratio
- Rule Of Thirds
Image from: ThoughtCo. n.d. Ways Of Achieving Emphasis In Writing And In Speech. [online] Available at: <https://www.thoughtco.com/emphasis-speech-and-composition-1690646> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Desamba, Y., n.d. Balance In Graphic Design | Jayce-O-Yesta. [online] Jayce-o-Yesta. Available at: <http://jayce-o.blogspot.com/2010/11/balance-in-graphic-design.html> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Hull, C. and >, M., n.d. Golden Ratio Vs Rule Of Thirds - Which Is Better? | Photo Composition. [online] ExpertPhotography. Available at: <https://expertphotography.com/golden-ratio-vs-rule-of-thirds/> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Week 2 Exercise
We are to produce a work of design in A4 size that reflect that specific week's topic, using various required materials for each week. Each week's topic involves about 2-3 design principles that we must produce a design for each of the design principles we learned in that week.
Exercise 2
A work of design for each of the design principles
Emphasis and Balance
Emphasis Sketches
After finishing the first stage of sketches, then I chose 3 of them and I try to sketch a few more options for each of the idea. For example there are some of them that I think if I change the shapes, layout and colour it could become better.
After having a consultation with my lecturer and receiving some feedback from her. I decided to go back to work on a few previous ideas that have great potential to represent Emphasis.
Final Outcome
Emphasis
A4 Size
Pens, Pencils, Markers
For this design, Emphasis is shown by using different type of shapes and colour. The Yellow Sun contrast well with the black triangle mountain with helps the yellow to stand out more. The triangle also have 3 sharp pointy sides but the circle have a very smooth outline which contrast well.
Self-written reflection
I feel that this design does represent Emphasis, but I think it will look better with small adjustment like different colour scheme that contrast better.
Balance Sketches
Same as the Emphasis work process, I started out by sketching 6 ideas, then I will shrink it down and eventually choose one as the final work.
For the first one I chose which is the square shape one. When I see it my first though is that I feel like there is too much shapes around the square and it looks too crowded. So I tried to limit down the amount of small shapes around it but then it started to look very empty. In the end I've decided to keep it that way.
After receiving some feedback from my lecturer. I went back to edit some of the work to see how can I make the Balance stand out more.
Final Outcome
Balance
A4 Size
Pen, Pencil, Maker
Balance shown in this design is Symmetrical balance. It doesn't look
exactly similar when it's cut in half, but both side have a similar proportion.
Self-written reflection
I think it's okay but definitely a lot of rooms for improvement. I could have experiment more with the shapes and proportion. Also the colour should be a bit cleaner and not have any slighter pale side.
Week 1
Elements of Design and Principles of Design
Gestalt Theory and Contrast Theory
Lecture
In week 1 lecture, our lecturer had introduced us to the following topics
- Elements of Design (Dot, Line, Shape, Form, Colour, Value, Texture and Space)
- Principles of Design (Balance, Emphasis, Repetition, Movement, Harmony and Unity)
- Contrast
- Gestalt Theory (Figure-Ground, Similarity, Proximity, Continuity and Closure)
Image from: Design, O., 2015. Elements Of Design. [online] Onlinedesignteacher.com. Available at: <https://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/2015/11/design-elements_91.html> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Design, O., 2015. Principles Of Design. [online] Onlinedesignteacher.com. Available at: <https://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/2015/11/design-principles_69.html> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Shillington Design Blog. n.d. 5 Basic Principles Of Graphic Design. [online] Available at: <https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/blog/graphic-design-basic-principles/> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Image from: Medium. n.d. Gestalt Principles — Learn How To Influence Perception. [online] Available at: <https://medium.com/ringcentral-ux/gestalt-principles-learn-how-to-influence-perception-83112932d0bc> [Accessed 24 May 2020].
Week 1 Exercise
We are to produce a work of design in A4 size that reflect that specific week's topic, using various required materials for each week. Each week's topic involves about 2-3 design principles that we must produce a design for each of the design principles we learned in that week.
Exercise 1
A work of design for each of the design principles
Contrast and Gestalt
Contrast Sketches
I started out by trying to sketch a few random design to help me generate ideas. I'm just messing around trying to see what can I do and how can I show the contrast clearly. After I'm done with sketching a few ideas, I began to pick one that I like the most then I start to focus on that.
I decided to choose the second one on the top right corner it looks more neat and simple than the other choices.
I was satisfied with the overall shape but I was mostly focusing on the middle part below the giant circle because there was nothing there before and it feels very weird to me and I feel like if I don't add in any shape there the space will be too big. So I am just experimenting with what shapes can I use to make it look more better.
After I'm satisfied with the overall look, then I went to use Adobe Illustrator to see how the final outcome would look. I decided to use Adobe Illustrator to look at the final outcome because it looks more tidier and cleaner than my own sketches. I also changed it into a dark background to see how would it look in a darker background and decide which one looks better.
Then it's time make it with black and white paper, but before doing that I made a copy of it on another paper using sharpie and pen so that I can use the copied version to measure how the sizes and length the shapes would be. It also kind of reminds me how the actual work will look when its on paper instead of the illustrator. After drawing and cutting all the shapes according to the copied version then I start cutting the line and space of the the parts where the shapes touches each other.
-Edit some part of the portfolio where the text/ format may be misleading
-There are a few spot on the work is not stuck well with glue, so make sure everything is stuck well and nothing is popping out.
Final Outcome
Contrast
A4 size
Black and white paper
In this work, contrast is shown from things such as colour, different type of shapes and sizes of the shapes as well.
Self-written reflection
I am actually quite happy with the work except that there are some shapes that were not stuck well and ended up tilting to one side. Some of the lines also appeared to be not as straight so hopefully next time I can make it look more neat.
Gestalt sketches
Gestalt Theory was very confusing to me at first. So before I start working on it I went to watch some videos online to understand it and I also asked some of my friends who are more experienced in Design than me whether they can explain gestalt theory to me. Then I started out by going around the internet and look at different kind of gestalt design on how they were shown in art.
After that I decided to think of a specific object I wanted to work on, by choosing something to focus on it gives me like a direction guideline that can help me focus on a specific path. Normally if I do not set a specific theme or path my mind will be filled with random theme or ideas then I would get frustrated and tend to rush things.
So I chose a chess piece as the main object to focus on because I feel like there are a lot of things that could look similar to it which I can use that as a way to interpret 2 different things in a image. I started by just sketching randomly to generate ideas and find what are things can fit with the chess piece smoothly.
I found out that one thing that look surprisingly similar with the chess piece is a lighthouse. Both the chess piece and lighthouse have kind of a similar outlines.
I decided to add the landscape and use it to remind the audience that it is a lighthouse and at the same time I added a knight chess piece to remind the audience that the giant lighthouse is also a chess piece at the same time.
On this page I was mostly trying to work on different type of the lighthouse and I was trying to find a way to make it looks like both chess piece and lighthouse. I was really struggling trying to make it happen.
I decided to draw how the final would look like first instead of making a decision on the previous page because I think when I'm able to look at how the full work will look on the A4 paper, it helps me to see which part is off and which parts works well.
So I found that the top part of the light house and the lights coming out looks a bit plain and off so I was just trying to draw different type of design to see if I can make it look better. In the end I decided not to change it and just keep it simple because looking at the few of the drawings I made, those option look worse.
So I found that the top part of the light house and the lights coming out looks a bit plain and off so I was just trying to draw different type of design to see if I can make it look better. In the end I decided not to change it and just keep it simple because looking at the few of the drawings I made, those option look worse.
Then it's time to cut the shapes and do the actual final work.
Feedback from lecturer
The gestalt theory shown in the work is not clear enough so my lecturer had suggested maybe I can take away the landscape as it is not really necessary and it took up a lot of the space. Instead I can try to put the Knight chess piece into the larger king chess piece.
After hearing the feedback from my lecturer, I immediately typed out everything I need to change and I started working right after the consultation is over. I started out by drawing out different kind of outline and I was trying to see how can I fit the Knight chess piece into the Bigger chess piece naturally.
Then it's time to draw and cut the final work. I was planning to make the chess piece big and fill the page but when I was checking and trying to imagine how it would look on the final design, I changed my mind to shrink the main chess piece smaller and leave more white space so it would look more cleaner and not cramped up by the black space.
For this work I was trying to show the Figure-Ground Perception. For the first attempt I wanted to try to show an image which when people see it they would be able to see a chess piece and a lighthouse at the same time. After talking to my lecturer I had changed it into showing 2 different chess piece instead and went for a more simple and cleaner style comparing to the previous one. Just like the contrast design, there are some parts of the work where the shapes and outline are not cut properly, like the top right part of the chess piece a bit taller than the right side. So hopefully next time I can improve these mistakes and make it more accurate and neat.
Self-written reflection
Honestly I am not really happy with my work for Gestalt, it just doesn't look good enough for me and
I am quite disappointed at the work I've done. I don't think I understand the Gestalt theory completely yet, so I will continue to try to look through online about it and hopefully be better at knowing translate the Theory into the actual design.
Final Outcome
First attempt
Gestalt
A4 size
Black and white paper
The gestalt theory shown in the work is not clear enough so my lecturer had suggested maybe I can take away the landscape as it is not really necessary and it took up a lot of the space. Instead I can try to put the Knight chess piece into the larger king chess piece.
After hearing the feedback from my lecturer, I immediately typed out everything I need to change and I started working right after the consultation is over. I started out by drawing out different kind of outline and I was trying to see how can I fit the Knight chess piece into the Bigger chess piece naturally.
Then it's time to draw and cut the final work. I was planning to make the chess piece big and fill the page but when I was checking and trying to imagine how it would look on the final design, I changed my mind to shrink the main chess piece smaller and leave more white space so it would look more cleaner and not cramped up by the black space.
Final Outcome
Second Attempt
Gestalt A4 Size
Black and White paper
For this work I was trying to show the Figure-Ground Perception. For the first attempt I wanted to try to show an image which when people see it they would be able to see a chess piece and a lighthouse at the same time. After talking to my lecturer I had changed it into showing 2 different chess piece instead and went for a more simple and cleaner style comparing to the previous one. Just like the contrast design, there are some parts of the work where the shapes and outline are not cut properly, like the top right part of the chess piece a bit taller than the right side. So hopefully next time I can improve these mistakes and make it more accurate and neat.
Self-written reflection
Honestly I am not really happy with my work for Gestalt, it just doesn't look good enough for me and
I am quite disappointed at the work I've done. I don't think I understand the Gestalt theory completely yet, so I will continue to try to look through online about it and hopefully be better at knowing translate the Theory into the actual design.
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