Design Elements

Question 1

Colour

Answer 1

Colour derives from the interplay of objects, light and the human eye/brain. Colour
can communicate mood and emotion; it can be used to highlight information and
establish hierarchy. It can add interest and excitement to a visual communication.
Colour may be used to specify areas, distinguish form, and help establish hierarchy.
Colour application systems include RGB and CMYK and colour guides can be sourced
in Pantone libraries.

Question 2

Line

Answer 2

Line represents a single dimension, length, which connects one point to another. It can be
straight, curved or irregular and combined with other elements. The weight and quality of the
line may vary depending on its intended use and the tool used to create it, giving it character and
meaning. Digitally drawn line can be clean and precise while one drawn with a brush and ink can
be loose and relaxed.

Question 3

Point

Answer 3

A mark that may be used to indicate position and location. Point is small in relation to
the whole of the design and is not necessarily circular. It can represent a point of
measure or be used as decoration. It can add texture or tone.

Question 4

Type

Answer 4

Type is the visual representation of word, number and character. It can be
manipulated to have an impact on the delivery of the visual message or reinforce the
meaning of a word. Sets of type or ‘typefaces’ belong to families and can be serif, sans
serif, regular, bold or italic. Type can be sourced from digital libraries, manipulated and
reorganised, or hand generated.

Question 5

Tone

Answer 5

Tone may be used to describe the three-dimensional
nature of form in terms of its shadows and highlights,
created by a light source. It can be smooth and gradual
or built by point or line (dot rendering and cross
hatching), subtle or dramatic, depending on its
intended use.

Question 6

Shape

Answer 6

Shape is two-dimensional. It is the defined space contained within lines. It can be
organic, geometric, abstract or symbolic and can be used in conjunction with other
elements to create form or pattern. It can used to simplify complex objects for
effective communication.

Question 7

Form

Answer 7

Form is considered three-dimensional and can be illustrated or constructed. It can also
be organic, geometric, abstract or symbolic. Form may be created by the joining of
two or more shapes and enhanced by tone, texture and colour.

Question 8

Texture

Answer 8

Texture communicates a tactile aspect – it can be real or implied. It may be achieved
using a combination of elements such as point and line. It may be applied in a realistic
or an abstract style to create an arbitrary pattern or to stimulate the finish of a
material. Texture can be conveyed through media and materials and can be combined
with tone.

Question 9

Chattering Spooky Phantoms Lose Faith in Tiny Timid Thaumaturge

Answer 9

Colour Shape Point Line Form Tone Texture Type