Task 1: Exploration

06/02/2024 - 22/02/2024 / Week 1 - Week 3
Reema Arif Hamza / 0362792
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1: Exploration

Content

Lectures

Design Principles

Balance can be symmetrical with items of equal visual weight on both sides or it can be asymmetrical with items of different weights laid out.  


Fig. 1.1 Rotational Symmetry and Asymmetry, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Emphasis is a strategy to draw the viewer's attention to a specific element. This can be achieved, using lines, colors, shapes, textures, space, and contrats. 


Fig. 1.2 Empahsis, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Contrast is the juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements creating a distinction. It can be used to create a focal point, draw a distinction between elements, or create a hierarchy. 


Fig. 1.3 Contrast, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Gestalt Theory is the principles of human perception that describe how humans group similar elements, recognize patterns, and simplify complex images when we see objects. The foundation of this theory is that the whole of anything is greater than its parts. 

Fig. 1.4 Gestalt Theory, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Harmony & Unity is the cohesiveness produced by all the elements in a design piece. By having clear relationships between visual elements they work together to make your message stronger. Harmony becomes monotony without variety. 

Fig. 1.5 Harmony & Unity, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Repetition is using repeated elements in a design piece. Repetition of elements can create rhythm and make your work seem more active. It can create consistency and movement. 


Fig. 1.6 Repetition, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Movement is the path the viewer's gaze takes through a composition. Movement makes a piece dynamic, interesting and can draw focus to a specific element. 


Fig. 1.7 Movement, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Symbol is the process of creating a visual representation of an idea, object, or concept. You often see them in icons, logos, and graphics. There are pictorial symbols which are image related or simplified images. Abstract symbols can look like the objects they represent but have fewer details. 

Fig. 1.8 Pictorial symbol and Abstract symbol, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Word & Image are a way to communicate a specific message. Imagery is a vital part of design and it's important to choose suitable and relevant images. Choosing the right words to pair with an image is important because it can deepen the meaning behind both elements. Typography is the design and arrangement of text to convey a message. 

Fig. 1.9 Words and Imagery, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Source: Image 1 & Image 2

Instructions

Task 1: Exploration

You will explore the various design principles taught in the module and observe design works to apply your knowledge. All these must be documented in your blog. Select an existing art/design work that revolves around your chosen SDG goal. Explain, in about 100-150 words, why you chose that design in relation to your SDG Goal and list the design principles observed in the artwork. 


Fig. 2.1 UN SDG Goal 7, Week 2 (15/02/2024) Source Link

UN SDG Goal #7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The world's current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to our planet. The UN SDG Goal 7 aims to shift the world's energy sources to more sustainable and clean energy. Renewable energy sources are becoming more reliable, affordable, and readily available to the public. By implementing these clean energy solutions we can build a framework to counter climate change. 

The UN SDG goal aims to fulfill  these set targets: 
- Universal access to clean energy
- Increase global percentage of renewable energy
- Double the improvement in energy efficiency
- Promote access to research, technology, and investments in clean energy, 
- Expand and upgrade energy services for developing countries. 

Selected Artwork

On the Fence by Dan Bejar, 2019, 736 x 964, Digital Illustration, 
Source: https://www.bejarprints.com/#/on-the-fence/ 

On the fence was the illustration for the cover story of Harper's Magazine May 2019 Issue, titled "Where Our New World Begins: Power, Politics, and The Green New Deal" by Kevin Baker. The illustrator Dan Bejar is currently working in Brooklyn and has created many conceptual illustrations for magazines, books, advertising campaigns, and posters. 

He uses color, contrast, and texture to create conceptual illustrations that demonstrate a strong message. I selected On the Fence to analyze,  because it portrays our vision for a future of clean and affordable energy. At the same time, this illustration shows how our current reality is that our world is stuck on its reliance on fossil fuels at the expense of our planet. 

Design Principles used: 

- Contrast
- Balance
- Movement
- Symbol

Feedback

Week 2: You can remove emphasis from the design principles used because it's not as relevant. 

Week 3: Add source links to all images.

Reflection

The task itself was simple as we just had to identify the design principles we observed and explain the SDG goal we chose. I had a better understanding of the design principles after searching for example images. Overall, I was able to learn and comprehend all the design principles and can now identify and explain them in any design work.  

Further Reading

I read a few pages from Universal Principles of Design, in which they discussed the topic of visual hierarchy and how to illustrate it in different systems. Their chapter on highlighting explained how to draw emphasis to text or images. 

Pages: 104-109

Fig 3.1 Universal Principles of Design, (2003, Lidwell, W., Holden, K. & Butler, J.)

Fig 3.2 Page 108-109

Fig 3.3 Principles of Design Article, Source Link

I read an article online that discusses each principle of design in detail and allowed me to further understand what was already stated in our prerecorded lectures. 

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