TASK 1 (Exploration)
Low Yu Kai | 0381377 Bachelor of Design in Creative Media Design Principles (202602-GCD60804/GCD62904) Mr. Fauzi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Instruction
- Task Recap
- Design Principles
- Selected Design Work
- Feedback
Instruction
1. Task Recap
In this task, we need to explore and show understanding of design principles. First, we need to fully understand and explain each design principle. To support our understanding, we need to find design works from external resources such as the internet, while ensuring all used images and references are properly cited. Next, we need to choose a design work that we are interested in, analyze it based on the design principles from our own understanding, and explain the reasons for our choice. Finally, we need to document this task in this blog, learning and start to create our own e-portfolio, and improve our ability to understand, analyze, and apply design principles to actual design work.
2. Design Principles
2.1 Gestalt theory
i. Gestalt is a German word meaning "shape" or "form," referring to an organic whole that has the characteristic of separation between its different parts.
ii. Gestalt emphasizes the meaning of psychology as a whole.
iii. Although Gestalt psychology originated in the field of vision, its practical applications are not limited to the realm of sensory experience.
iv. Gestalt has several basic principles, such as:
- Proximity (Objects close to each other are perceived as a group)
- Similarity (Similar items are perceived as a set)
- Figure-Ground (Distinguishing the main subject from its background)
- Closure (Even if the shape is incomplete, we imagine it as a complete shape)
- Continuity (We prefer smooth, continuous lines rather than broken lines)
2.2 Contrast
i. Focus on using the difference between two or more elements in design.
ii. Contrast in design involves using opposing elements to create visual interest, guide attention/viewpoint, and enhance clarity in compositions.
iii. Can use different elements to express contrast, such as:
- Differences in color
- Size
- Texture
- Shape
- Brightness
- Typography
- Composition
2.3 Emphasis
i. Creates a focus point and dominance in a design.
ii. Can use elements such as value, shape, size, and color to create
iii. Guides the audience's attention to the most important part or the part that the designer wants the audience to focus on.
iv. Establish an overall visual hierarchy, highlight the theme, and reinforce the overall message.
2.4 Balance
ii. Arranging the elements reasonably, make the overall design stable
iii. Enhance attractiveness, guide the audience's view, and make visuals less cluttered.
2.5 Repetition
i. Use repeating elements to create consistency. Such as color, shape, font, and pattern.
ii. Create a sense of unity and rhythm, making the design more harmonious, so that the audience can understand.
2.6 Movement
i. Guide the audience's eye through the visual flow of the composition, creating a sense of direction and rhythm.
ii. Enhancing narrative, hierarchy, and engagement.
iii. Evoke emotional responses, making the design more powerful and smooth.
2.7 Harmony & Unity
Harmony
i. The arrangement of different elements, creating a cohesive visual experience. Achieved through the coordination of elements such as color, shape, texture, and pattern, where they complement each other while maintaining their individual characteristics.
ii. Ensuring each element is perfectly placed to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing design.
Unity
i. Repeating certain elements (such as color, patterns) throughout the composition.
ii. Ensuring all components feel connected, creating a harmonious and unified visual effect.
2.8 Symbol
i. Use lines, abstract geometric shapes, etc., using simple elements to symbolize objects to create visuals.
ii. Visual representation that conveys ideas, concepts, or objects without the need for text.
2.9 Word and Image
i. Enhance communication and understanding.
ii. Text conveys information, while images reinforce or illustrate meaning.
iii. Use visual hierarchy to arrange elements based on their importance, ensuring clarity and coherence of information.
iv. The interaction between text and images can create unforgettable and highly impactful designs.
3. Selected Design Work
Fig 3 "Inside My Head" - Mark Conlan
Year: 2024
Why choose this design? The reason I chose this artwork is that its unique style and the way it depicts the subject inspired me. This artwork is both modern and unique, filled with hidden depth, where the portrayal of the human body appears fluid, with slender hands and minimalist facial features, conveying a gentle dynamism. What I find most interesting is the use of very few colors to depict different objects, using only blue as the main color and off-white as the background color to create a contrast between warm and cool tones, highlighting the subject. The author used minimalist and unified elements to create clear and distinct objects, which aligns with Gestalt theory. Additionally, I noticed that the author used a lot of curves to draw symbols, creating an image that is not intimidating, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the details of the painting, while guiding the audience's viewpoint and used just the right amount of negative space to make the elements inside "hat" part of the artwork easily recognizable without appearing too cluttered.
(172 words))
- Gestalt Theory (figure, shape creates a whole)
- Symbol (Hat, and a star shape on the hand symbolized the mouth)
- Contrast (Color warm/cool contrast)
- Emphasis (Blue color main subject)
- Movement (Curved lines guiding the eye)
- Repetition (Repeated elements, flowers, shapes)
- Harmony & Unity (Limited colour used, different shapes formed a symbol)
4. Feedback
- Week 1 - No class
- Week 2 - Module Briefing /Please complete the task until #5
- Week 3 - General: Please complete your task accordingly, and choose your Poster design to elaborate. (19/02/2026)
- Week 4 - Feedback: Hi Yu Kai, you've chose a suitable design and explained it clearly. I can see that you understand how the visual elements work together in the poster. Your points are straightforward and easy to follow.
Good effort. Keep improving your explanation and stay consistent.
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