Exercise 01: Gestalt Theory & Contrast

 -Week 1&2-

(24.8.2021)

Design Principles

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Topics : Elements and Principles of design, Gestalt Theory and Contrast 

From the recorded lecture, Ms. JinChi showed us about the Element of Design, Principles of Design, Gestalt Theory and Contrast.

Learning Outcome :

The Element of Design consists of point, line, shape, form, value, color and texture. While the Principles of Design are contrast, balance, emphasis, pattern, rhythm, repetition, harmony and more. We can use these elements and principles in our design to achieve visual communication.

The Design Principle Contrast refers to the juxtaposition of different elements. Without Contrast, a design would be monotonous. Otherwise, it will make a design more interesting in visual.

Fig 3: Contrast

Fig 4: Blue orange with one half orange

Gestalt Principles are rules of humans perception in visual. There are 6 principles related to Gestalt Theory: Similarity, Continuation, Closure, Proximity, Figure/Ground and Symmetry & Order.

Fig 5: Gestalt principles

Fig 6: Example of gestalt design

So, here is the process of my design :

CONTRAST

Visual Research:

Still Life with Lemons by Georges Braque

Source: https://thenextweb.com/news/how-to-create-visual-relationships-with-contrast-similarity

Idea Exploration:

This is the picture that inspired me in contrast design.

The contrast of the teapot and cups are very apparent. 

The picture also shows the contrast between the dark shadow and light background.

My Sketches:

This is my first sketch for contrast. 

I changed the teapot to a bottle which is a similar utensil.

I draw a bottle which is tilt, together with water pouring out.

Feedback by lecturer：

Ms. Jinchi ask me to complete the design first to see the result.

So, here is the result of my first sketch. Looks good but I decided to change my design.

To be honest, I can't see it is a bottle and I also ask my friend for an opinion.

My friend said she doesn't know what is it and seems like something is shiny or glowing.

Therefore, I changed the bottle to a light bulb that is glowing.

My second sketch

Feedback by lecturer:

Ms. Jinchi said the second sketch looks more interesting. And also, she wants me to replace some of the orange streaks with white to create more contrast. 

My final result:

GESTALT

Visual Research:

source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/360288038910502815/

Idea Exploration :

This is a shark icon. 

I found that the fins and tail of the shark seem like a human's side profile.

So, I started to create my design by using the figure-ground principles.

My Sketches:

At first, I sketch a shark icon and a line to make the side profile apparent. 

Shark is a marine animal so I add some water splash that seems like hair.

Feedback by lecture:

Ms. Jinchi wants me to draw the side profile clearer and use dark blue for the water. Perhaps the face might come out better.

My final result:

Reflection:

I enjoy doing this exercise because this is interesting. I have learned to apply these principles in my design. I think I have to do more experiments on colour during idea exploration.