Design Principles GCD60804 Task1
Design Principles
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Table of Content
2.1. Understanding of the Task
For this task, I need to explore different design principles and understand how they work in real designs. Instead of just learning the definitions, I need to find my own examples and explain them in my own words. After that, I also need to choose one artwork and analyse it using those principles.
I think the purpose of this task is to train us to observe more carefully. Sometimes we look at a design and think it is “nice”, but we don’t really think about why it works. This task helps me understand how visual elements create meaning and emotion.
2.2. Design Principles Research
2.2.1. Gestalt Theory
Gestalt Theory is about how our brain sees things as a whole instead of separate parts. Even if something is incomplete, we still try to recognise it as a full image.
For example, the WWF panda logo is made of simple black shapes. The panda is not fully drawn, but we can still clearly see it. Our brain automatically completes the missing parts.
2.2.2. Contrast
Contrast means the difference between elements, such as light and dark, big and small, or different colours. It helps make a design more interesting and noticeable.
For example, the poster of The Dark Knight uses a very dark background with bright fire in the centre. This strong contrast makes the image dramatic and eye-catching.
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2.2.3. Emphasis
Emphasis is when a designer makes one part stand out more than the others. This helps the audience know where to look first.
For example, on the Apple website, there is usually one big product image in the centre with a clean background. This makes the product the main focus.
2.2.4. Balance
Balance is about visual stability. It can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but it should not feel too heavy on one side.
For example, the logo of Nike is not symmetrical, but it still feels balanced and stable.
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2.2.5. Repetition
Repetition means repeating certain elements like colour, shape, or pattern. It helps create consistency.
For example, Coca-Cola always uses the same red colour and script logo. This repetition makes the brand easy to recognise.
2.2.6. Movement
Movement is how a design guides our eyes from one part to another. Lines and shapes can create this effect.
In The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, the swirling lines in the sky create a strong sense of movement.
2.2.7. Harmony & Unity
Harmony and unity mean all parts of the design work well together and look consistent.
For example, the interface of Spotify uses consistent colours and layout. Everything feels connected and organised.
2.2.8. Symbol
A symbol is something that represents a deeper meaning.
For example, the logo of Mercedes-Benz uses
2.3. Selected Artwork
Title
The Persistence of Memory
Artist
Salvador Dalí
Year
1931
Medium
Oil on canvas
Image Source
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
2.4. Why I Chose This Artwork
I chose this artwork because I personally like surreal and slightly dark visual styles. When I first saw the melting clocks, I felt it was strange but also very interesting. It doesn’t look realistic, but somehow it still feels believable.
The empty background gives a quiet and lonely feeling. The soft, melting shapes are very different from the idea of a normal clock, which makes the image more impactful. I also like how this painting makes people think about time and reality. Everyone might have a different interpretation, and I think that makes it meaningful.
2.5. Design Principles Found in This Artwork
- Contrast
- Emphasis
- Balance
- Movement
- Harmony & Unity
- Symbol
- Gestalt Theory
3.Feedback
Week 1:
During the first week, no assignments were given because it was the holiday period. I didn’t start any work yet, but I used the time to review some design concepts from previous lessons.
Week 2:
In the second week, the teacher introduced the assignment and explained the requirements. I began writing the first parts of my assignment and started looking for suitable images to illustrate concepts like Gestalt Theory and Contrast. I was still collecting images and planning how to place them with the text.
Week 3:
During the third week, I continued drafting the sections for each design principle. I spent more time searching for clear examples and images for Emphasis, Balance, and Repetition. I also started organizing my notes to make sure each paragraph matched the corresponding visual example.
Week 4:
By the fourth week, I had completed all the writing and inserted the images I had collected. I reviewed the assignment to ensure that explanations were clear and visuals matched the concepts. This step-by-step process helped me gradually finish the work from initial research to the final submission.
4.reflection
Doing this assignment helped me understand design principles like Gestalt Theory, Contrast, and Emphasis a lot better. I also learned how helpful it is to use images with text, because they make the ideas clearer. Looking for pictures was fun and showed me how these principles are used in real logos, posters, and websites. Overall, it made me better at researching and explaining design ideas.
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