Design Elements And Principles Flashcards
Characteristics of a good design
Both functional
Aesthetically pleasing
What elements must be combined harmoniously to obtain successful results
Line
Shape
Form
Space
Texture
Colour
Types of line
Vertical
Horizontal
Diagonal
Curved
Definition of line
2 characteristics
Mark connecting 2 points. How the line gets from point A to B, give its distinctive character and appearance.
Line has width and shape
Building blocks of shape
Definition of line
2 characteristics
Mark connecting 2 points. How the line gets from point A to B, give its distinctive character and appearance.
Line has width and shape
Building blocks of shape
Characteristics of vertical lines
Draws eyes up and down
Creates illusion of length and height
Adds strength, height and stability in a room
Characteristics of horizontal lines
Draws eyes side to side
Illusion of width
Creates restful atmosphere
Characteristics Diagonal lines
Suggests activity
Keep eye moving
Too many Creates unbalanced effect
Characteristics of curved lines
Adds graceful and softening effect
Shape
Refers to the outside dimensions or silhouette of an object.
Enclosed by lines
2D or flat
A combo of shapes increases decorative effect.
Form
3D
Has volume
Many viewpoints
Too many different forms create confusion
Space
Refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below shapes and forms.
Positive space
Occupied space
Focal point
Filled with line, colour, shapes
Negative space
Plays Important role in defining the subject of a design.
Empty space
Background space
Texture
The surface quality of an object
They way something feels or the way you expect it to feel.
Tactile Texture
Touch
The actual feel of the surface
Important in design such as furnishings and clothing.
Visual Texture
The illusions of the surfaces texture
Characteristics of texture
Reflects light in different ways
Adds visual interests
Has character
Fine texture
More formal
Soft, smooth, light
Rough texture
More informal
Hard, heavy, rough, uneven
Colour
Most noticeable element
Adds interest and character
Can be overwhelming
Creates accents or points of emphasis
Colour Creates an illusion of:
Space (large or small space)
Coolness or warmth
Happy and stimulation/ energy
Sad and calm
Design principles
Guidelines used to evaluate good design by combining the design elements into pleasing compositions
5 design principles
Proportion
Balance
Rhythm
Emphasis
Harmony
Definition of proportion/ scale
The relationship of object to one another and the design as a whole.
What is proportion based on
Size
Shape
Visual weight of an object
To achieve good proportion
Don’t use too many equal parts
Difference in size mustn’t be too big
Don’t decide composition into 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4
Balance
Sense of weight as the eye precieves it
Occurs when visual weight of an object is balanced on both sides of a central point
Formal/ symmetrical balance
Obtained by placing identical/ equal objects on each side of the center point
Informal/ asymmetrical balance
Created when to halves on either side of the focal point ARE NOT THE SAME but balance each other visually.
Radial
The focal point with other elements of design radiation from or around it
Rhythm
Repition of design elements
Characteristics of Rhythm
Forces movement
Colour
Shapes
Form
Texture
3 different types of repition
Progression
Alternation
Repition
Rhythm: Repition
Repition of same colour, shapes, texture, line
Progression
From small to big ( gets bigger or smaller)
Density of objects ( very little in area to lots in area)
Alternation
Alternating colours, shapes and textures
Definition of Emphasis
Catches the eye and calls attention to most important area in the room
Characteristics of emphasis
Usually very dominant
Focal point: largest, brightest, darkest, most complex
Harmony
When all design elements and principles work together harmoniously.
When all aspects of design elements compliment each other.
Final result of a room
How is Harmony Achieved
When all aspects of design complement each other
