Lindsay, Liza, Simone

April 2014

 

Principles and elements of design are guidelines for designers to create visually appealing documents that captivate their audiences.  For our project, wfocused on the element form, and the principle of rhythm.

 

Form are 3-dimensional objects that occupy space in a design.  They differ from shapes in that shapes are 2-dimensional.  Since the graphic desing medium is usally 2-D (a computer screen or printed page), forms generally give the illusion of being 3-D rather than actually existing as such.  This effect might be accomplished through the use of light, shade, and color.  However, in some areas, such as package design, the designer is given the opportunity to create a 3-D object that should ideally enhance the overall look and feel of the product without overshadowing it.

 

Essentially, rhythm is a form of repitition.  Rhythm can create a sense of movement, and can establish pattern and texture.  There are many different kinds of rhythm, often defined by the feeling something evokes when viewed.  Rhythm can be flowing, progressive, or regular.  Rhythm is important in graphic design because it allows the viewer to feel more at ease upon seeing a repititious pattern.

 

Nearly anything in a design can be repeated, such as headlines of websites, images, shapes, and patterns.  For example, in the image below depicting a screenshot of a website, the designer emphasized rhythm along the icons at the top of the page to bring cohesiveness to the overall design of the page.

 

References:

 

Chapman, C.  A graphic design primer, part 1: The elements of a design.  Noupe.  Retrieved April 5th, 2014 from http://www.noupe.com/design/a-graphic-design-primer-part-1-the-elements-of-a-design.html

 

Kymin, J. (n.d.).  Rhythm: basic principles of design.  Retrieved April 9th, 2014 from http://webdesign.about.com/od/webdesignbasics/p/aarhythm.htm