Introduction to the Elements of Design
Design isn't just a creative pursuit; it's a sophisticated practice that blends several key elements to create both visually appealing and functional results. These fundamental elements, known as the elements of design, are the building blocks every designer relies on to craft compelling and effective designs. So, what exactly are these elements, and why are they so crucial?
Grasping the elements of design is essential for anyone involved in the creative process. Whether you're a graphic designer, interior decorator, fashion designer, or even just a hobbyist, mastering these basics can take your work from good to truly outstanding.
Line
A line in a composition or document is anything that connects one point to another in 2D space. Lines can be actual or implied.
Implied lines are the creation of the human mind when points or objects align in a certain way that the brain sees a pattern or object. An example would be the way we recognize the Big Dipper from a random pattern of stars.
Lines can create:
Direction
Momentum
Texture
Connection/Relationships
Division or Sections
Energy
Shape
Shapes are any 2D area that has an edge. Shapes can be considered “objects” within a composition or document.
A body of text, an image, a bullet point, all of these things create visual shapes in a composition. Even the space between objects, the negative space, can seem to create a shape.
Shapes should work in a unified way with the content and support deeper understanding of the intended message.
Types of shapes include:
Organic
Geometric
Abstract
Static
Dynamic
Form
Forms are the 3D extrusion of a 2D shape. An example is a square becoming a cube.
2D shapes can also be manipulated to give the illusion of having 3D attributes. Often, this is achieved by using value shifts on the shape to suggest mass and volume, and/or by using value shifts around the shape to suggest light and shadow. An example of this can be seen when using the common “drop shadow” effect found in many apps.
The illusion of a 3D form on a 2D surface can provide:
Variety
Interest
Direction
Hierarchy
Value
Value is the darkness or the lightness of an object in a composition or document.
Any change in the lightness or darkness of an object creates a value shift. This shift can also occur in color since any hue can be manipulated to be darker or lighter.
An example of this would be how pink is a lighter version or red or how a “stormy blue” is a darker shade of sky blue.
Value can play a key role in the saturation level of a hue, but one should not be confused with the other.
Use of value can assist in creating:
Light & Dark Contrast
Mass & Volume
Contrast & Comparison
Readability
The Illusion of Form.
The Elements of Design
29 Jul 2024 | 3 min read
Color
Color is often the most challenging of the design elements. It takes practice to use color efficiently.
It’s hard to suppress the urge to use every possible color and in any possible combination when we open up our color options, and if not managed this can quickly lead to a visual mess.
Like herbs and spices, some color combinations work well together and some not so much. Using established color harmonies can greatly improve the visual unity of the message. Using color strategically not only improves the chance of the learner connecting to the content but also understanding the intent.
Color can be used to produce:
Mood
Tone
Hierarchy
Energy Level
Sense of Time
Conceptual Relationships
Texture
Texture can be either tactile texture or visual texture.
Tactile texture is the variation in the characteristics of a surface which you can experience from touch.
Visual texture is the appearance of a tactile surface on a 2D plan. This can be achieved by use of pattern.
An example of texture being used is how this PowerPoint is using WSU’s Wheat pattern in the background. Texture can soften a background, while still providing visual interest, or energize a background.
Texture can create:
A Sensory Experience
Interest
A Visual Relief Element
Meaning
Relationships
Space
Space is also known as “White Space” and “Negative Space”. Negative space doesn’t imply something unfavorable, but rather defines the space that surrounds an object. The space the object occupies is then the “positive space”.
Space is one of the most important design elements, I believe, for establishing and maintaining clear understanding of a concept within a 2D environment.
Space is important for establishing:
Hierarchy
Legibility & Readability
Focus
Direction
Tempo
Pause & Reflection
The Elements of Design
Design isn't just a creative pursuit; it's a sophisticated practice that blends several key elements to create both visually appealing and functional results. These fundamental elements, known as the elements of design, are the building blocks every designer relies on to craft compelling and effective designs. So, what exactly are these elements, and why are they so crucial?
DESIGN
Constantly Learning. Constantly Evolving.
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