Design Elements and Principles

Question 1

List the 8 Design Elements.

Answer 1

1. Point
2. Line
3. Tone (or value)
4. Shape
5. Form
6. Texture
7. Colour
8. Transparency, Translucency, Opacity

Question 2

List the 7 Design Principles.

Answer 2

1. Space
2. Balance (Symmetry/Asymmetry)
3. Movement/Rhythm (Pattern
4. Contrast
5. Emphasis (focal point)
6. Unity
7. Visual Weight

Question 3

What is the difference between a design element and a design principle?

Answer 3

Design elements are the basic parts of the visual, tactile and aesthetic appearance. Design principles are used to combine and arrange the design elements.

Question 4

Design Element: Line

Answer 4

• Can be used to create sensation of movement through being continuous or interrupted
• Straight lines and angles = structure and order
• Curved lines = grace and sensuality
• Vertical lines = taller, slimmer
• Horizontal lines = shorter, fatter

Question 5

Design Element: Tone (or value)

Answer 5

The degree of lightness or darkness of aspects of a garment.

• can create the illusion of being 3D
• can be used to create contrast

Question 6

Design Element: Texture

Answer 6

• Surface quality
• Real texture = how it feels to touch
• Implied/Simulated texture = illusion of texture created by imitating the texture pattern, usually printed

Question 7

Design Element: Form

Answer 7

The three dimensional shape of a product (height, width, depth, space, volume).

Question 8

Design Element: Shape

Answer 8

Can refer to either:

1. overall shape or silhouette (eg: 1950s skirts = the bell silhouette)
2. shapes that are used as components of the garment (eg: triangle = collar, semi circular = puffed sleeve)
   - shapes can be organic or geometric

Question 9

Design Element: Colour

Answer 9

• Primary, secondary and tertiary
• can affect the way we feel (eg: blue - peaceful)
• can be used symbolically
• warm colours advance towards us
• cool colours recede

Question 10

Design Element: Point

Answer 10

A particular place or spot that the eye is drawn to.

-often isolated and not related to product’s lines or shape

Question 11

Design Element: Transparency, Translucency, Opacity

Answer 11

Transparency = see through, allows light through
Translucency = some light allowed, detail can't be seen
Opacity = not see through, light cannot pass through

Question 12

Design Principle: Space

Answer 12

Positive Space = space an object takes up

Negative Space = space that exists around objects, can be seen as a hole of light or air.

Question 13

Design Principle: Balance (Symmetry/Asymmetry)

Answer 13

Symmetrical = formal balance, mirror image
Asymmetrical = all elements are balanced using a variety in size, tone or colour

Question 14

Design Principle: Movement/Rhythm (pattern)

Answer 14

• repetition creates predictable patterns and establishes a rhythm which in turn creates a sense of movement
• encourages the eye to move around the garment

Question 15

Design Principle: Contrast

Answer 15

Refers to the use of opposing art elements used to create interest.
-can create a focal point or variety

Question 16

Design Principle: Emphasis (focal point)

Answer 16

The main area of interest in a garment, created by arranging elements to draw attention to a specific area.
Can be created through:
-contrasting shapes, forms or colours
-isolating forms from surrounding ones
-directional lines to lead the eye
-placement of forms centrally
-pattern or detail to highlight areas
-contrast of size to focus attention

Question 17

Design Principle: Unity

Answer 17

When all the elements of a garment work together to create a strong sense of connection.
Can be achieved through:
-Repetition
-Harmony (similarity)
-Variety
-Contrast

Question 18

Design Principle: Visual Weight

Answer 18

The appearance of the object that changes how we read or perceive the object.
Relates to the transparency or opacity of the materials used.