Principles and Elements of design

What is Design? “Design is an interactive decision-making process that produces plans by which resources are converted into products or systems that meet human needs and wants or solve problem”.

What is Design Principle? “Design principle is design rules regarding rhythm, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, and harmony, used to evaluate existing designs and guide the design process.”

Design Process “A systematic problem-solving strategy, with criteria and constraints used to develop many possible solutions to solve a problem or satisfy human needs and wants and to narrow down the possible solutions to one final choice.”

“A written plan of action for solutions to a proposed problem.” Design Proposal “A written plan of action for solutions to a proposed problem.”

Rhythm Emphasis Unity Balance Proportion Principles of Design : Factors that help to determine the effectiveness of a design Balance Proportion Rhythm Emphasis Unity

Balance - determining the visual weight of an object or image in either formal balance (symmetry) or informal balance (asymmetry). Balance is informal when sides are not exactly symmetrical, but the resulting image is still balanced. In visual images, balance is formal when both sides are symmetrical in terms of arrangement.

Proportion - distinguishing the size relationship of one part of the design to another part 9

Rhythm - repetition within a design that gives it the appearance that movement is taking place. 10

Emphasis: Emphasis is also referred to as point of focus or interrution. It marks the locations in a composition which most strongly draw the viewer’s eye. 11

Unity - refers to the ability to make components of a design seem as they belong together or have agreement with no elements out of place Unity can be achieved through the use of space. Unity can be achieved through the use of similar shapes. Unity can be achieved through the use of a common pattern. Unity can be achieved through the use of a common background. 12

Elements of Design Line Form Shape Space Texture/ Shades Color

Elements: Line Line - is a mark on a surface that describes a shape or outline. It can create texture and can be thick and thin.    Line is the mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. It is the basic component of a shape drawn on paper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Elements: Shape Shape - is a 2-dimensional line with no form or thickness. Shapes are flat and can be grouped into two categories, geometric and organic.   Shape is an area enclosed by lines or curves. It can be geometric or organic. Importantly, a shape automatically creates a around it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Elements: FORM Form - is a 3-dimensional object having volume and thickness. Form can be viewed from many angles.   Form may be created by the forming of two or more shapes. It may be enhanced by tone, texture and color. Form is considered three-dimensional showing height, width and depth. It can be illustrated or constructed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Elements : Space Space - is the empty or open area between, around, above, below, or within objects. Space is often called three-dimensional or two- dimensional. Positive space is filled by a shape or form. Negative space surrounds a shape or form. Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It may have two dimensions (length and width), such as a floor, or it may have three dimensions (length, width, and height). Space includes the background, foreground and middle ground. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Elements: Color Color - refers to specific hues and has 3 properties, Chroma, Intensity and Value.  Complimentary pairs can produce dull and neutral color.  Color is the most expressive element of art and is seen by the way light reflects off a surface. Color is used to create illusion of depth, as red colors seem to come forward while blue seems to recede into the distance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Texture - It is the degree of roughness or smoothness in objects. Texture is the feeling and visual feel of the fabrics, colors, and room accessories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki