TASK 1 (EXPLORATION)

 

Design Principles - Task 1: Exploration

3/2/2024 - 23/2/2024 / Week 1 - Week 3

An Hongzheng / 0378415

Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Task 1: Exploration

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instruction

2. Design Principles & Examples

3. Art Work & Analysis

4. Feedback

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INSTRUCTIONS

 

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Design Principles

Gestalt theory 

Gestalt is a transliteration of German, which means "complete" and "unified whole". Gestalt theory is a psychological concept, that is, when people see a group of objects, they will first pay attention to the main body and then to the parts.

-Principles of Similarity

Elements that are close in distance/position tend to form a whole.

Figure 1.1 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Screenshot of Animation "Konohana Kitan (This Flower is Beautiful)" cutscenes

The Fig1.1 represents the Principles of Similarity in Gestalt theory. In this picture, it is easy for people to think of it as a combination of multiple parallelograms, because every two rectangles of the same color are closer to the central pattern such as maple leaves, and they have the same orientation, which leads people to consider their three combinations as a whole.

-Principles of Continuation

When a visual pattern is discovered, there is a tendency to continue the object according to the pattern.

Figure 1.2 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator 池上幸輝 : https://x.com/winter_parasol/status/1578224499933483009?s=19

The Fig1.2 shows the principle of continuation by guiding people's vision by utilizing the light outside the window, making them notice the bright light and appreciate it along with the light, because the tendency of light makes people subconsciously believe that the place with light is a whole object.

-Principles of Closure

The elements that make up a closed form tend to form a whole.

Figure 1.3 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator Yoneyamai : https://x.com/yoneyamai/status/1644045997805539328?s=19

Figure 1.4 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator Yoneyamai : https://x.com/yoneyamai/status/1644045997805539328?s=19

Both Fig1.3 and Fig1.4 show the Principles of Closure. They are complementary halves, and the characters in each picture form a closed form through hugs, allowing people to imagine the characters in the other half being hugged in their minds.

-Principles of Proximity

Elements that are similar in a certain aspect (size, color, shape, etc.) tend to form a whole.

Figure 1.5 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Instagram user interface, personal screenshot

The Fig1.5 is a screenshot of the Instagram user interface, which showcases the Principles of Proximity very well. In the figure, each function has its own unique UI design, and the same functions have the same size and shape, arranged together to form a larger part.

-Principle of Figure/Ground

Within a certain range, the greater the contrast between the graphic and the background, and the more prominent the position, the easier it is to detect the graphic.

Figure 1.6 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator tp-h:https://x.com/tp_p_pt/status/1884971212767658369?s=19

The Fig1.6 displays the principle of Figure/Round. The entire image is only black and white in color, and except for the most important faces and cats, all other parts blend into a black background. This makes the character image very prominent and easily noticeable

Contrast

Contrast is the juxtaposition of completely different elements.

The visual experience could avoid to be monotonous with contrast.

Contrast can provide visual interest, emphasize viewpoints, and express content.

 

Figure 1.7 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator 藤ちょこ（fuzichoco） : https://x.com/fuzichoco/status/1577971217562488833?s=19

The Fig1.7 excellently portrays the contrast in the Design Principles. The entire picture is clearly composed of two parts, the character and the screen. The light on the screen is dim and the colors are more complex, while the characters' clothes are pure white and the light is brighter. Through contrast, the characters become more eye-catching.

Emphasis 

Emphasis is used to make something stand out and grab attention in a design.

Different elements like color, shapes, or value can be used to make something more noticeable and important.

Figure 1.8 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Innocent Grey Art Exhibition : https://x.com/twit_Gungnir/status/1729301716376731846?s=19

The emphasis in the Design Principles contained in Fig1.8 is very obvious. Most of the buildings in the picture are in shadow, which contrasts sharply with the girl holding a bright red umbrella in the light. From this, people can easily perceive the key points of this work.

Balance 

Balance is the way visual weight is arranged in a design.

It creates a sense of equilibrium, making the overall image feel stable.

Balance can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

-Symmetrical Balance

Symmetry means both sides of a center line look equally balanced.

Bilateral balance is when things are placed evenly on both sides of a straight line, either up and down or side to side.

Radial balance is when things are arranged in a circle around a center point.

Approximate symmetry is when both sides look similar but are not exactly the same.

Figure 1.9 Week 1 (9/2/2025)
Photographed by eSports players - demon1：https://x.com/Demon1___/status/1827277308970914053?s=19
The Fig1.9 shows the symmetrical balance in Design Principles, it is taken by tourists in front of Cologne Cathedral. The character stands in the center of the picture, and Cologne Cathedral, as a benchmark of Gothic architecture, is also extremely symmetrical.

-Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetry means the two sides don’t have the same visual weight.

One side may have a strong main element, while the other side has smaller elements to balance it.

It looks more lively and interesting, giving a sense of movement and energy.

Asymmetrical balance creates variety but can be harder to arrange because the elements relate in a more complex way.

Figure 1.10 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Album Cover of 帝国少女/R Sound Design feat.初音ミク-Imperial Girl：https://youtu.be/hUaVxNUCbc4?si=1vwI870MZ8MX0zve

The Fig1.10 illustrates asymmetric balance very well. On the right side of the picture, there is a shiny Tokyo Tower, while on the left side, it is empty. This makes the picture more interesting and vivid.

-Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio (1.618) comes from the Fibonacci sequence and appears in nature.

It’s seen as a symbol of beauty and balance and has been used in art and design for centuries.

Designers use it to create harmonious and appealing work.

Figure 1.11 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator Yoneyamai : https://x.com/yoneyamai/status/1207065880972025856?s=19

The Fig1.11 clearly used Golden Ratio in its design. The characters in amber and the amber itself strictly follow the curve of this golden ratio.

-Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a guide to make pictures more interesting.  

The image is split into three equal parts both across and up and down.  

The main subject is placed on or near where the lines cross or along one of the lines.

Figure 1.12 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator スギナミキ: https://x.com/mikisugina/status/1889290777576210575?s=19

The Fig1.12 was created using the rule of thirds. The character in the picture perfectly fits the tangent line in the rule of thirds, corresponding to the centerline of the right window.

Repetition

Repetition makes a design feel more active.

It creates rhythm and patterns in the work.

Variety keeps it interesting and prevents boredom.

Patterns add visual excitement and detail.

 

Figure 1.13 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Illustrator ミナミ: https://x.com/minamichando_jo/status/1403642885103226880?s=19

Repetition has been well applied in Fig1.13. The clothing and background of the characters frequently use similar pure white decorations, which makes the picture very gorgeous and orderly.

Movement 

Movement is how a design guides the eye through a composition.

It happens when objects appear to be moving.

Shapes, lines, and curves create this effect.

Figure 1.14 Week 1 (9/2/2025)
Illustrator Yoneyamai : https://x.com/yoneyamai/status/1534107788598599680?s=19

Movement is very clear in Fig1.14. Although the character designs in the pictures are different, they follow the same pattern of motion changes like time-lapse photography, forming a whole picture.

Harmony & Unity 

Harmony happens when elements share a common trait.

Without variety, it can feel boring.

It makes a design feel unified and consistent in theme or style.

Figure 1.15 Week 1 (9/2/2025)
Film Post of Perfect Blue (1997)
Figure1.15 is a great example that demonstrates Harmony. The images have the same color tone, with the characters and background in the same spatial position and using the same color

Unity means repeating elements like colors or shapes to create a consistent look.

It brings balance and a sense of oneness, forming a theme.

Unity and harmony are similar but have different roles in design.

Figure 1.16 Week 1 (9/2/2025)
Illustrator KICO: https://x.com/illmaticblue/status/1578346494293602305?s=19
Figure1.16 illustrates what Unity is in design principles. Although there are different colors in the picture, they are arranged in a regular pattern, forming a whole of character and objects.

Symbol 

A symbol is a sign, shape, or object that represents something else.

In design, symbols can share information or even tell a story.

-Pictorial Symbols

Image-related and simplified pictures.

Figure 1.17 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Social media avator of illustrator 望月けい ：https://x.com/key_999?s=09

Figure 1.17 is a great example of Pictorial Symbols. The jellyfish pattern composed of pixels is simple and clear.

-Abstract Symbols

Abstract symbols resemble the objects they represent but with fewer details.

Figure 1.8 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

E-sports club logo of Cloud9：https://x.com/Cloud9?s=09

(three 9s put together in the shape of a cloud, also symbolizes the team name)

Figure1.18 is a good example of Abstract Symbols. This is an abstract pattern composed of clouds and three "9"s.

-Arbitrary Symbols

Arbitrary symbols don’t look like what they represent.

Their meaning is created and learned.

Many use shapes and colors.

Figure 1.19 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Music play button of QQ music, personal screenshot

Figure 1.20 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

Music pause button of QQ music, personal screenshot

Fig1.19 and Fig1.20 are examples of Arbitrary Symbols. These two patterns themselves do not have any reference to actual objects, nor do they have any meaning in themselves. Through daily learning and dissemination, they are widely used to represent "play" and "pause".

Word and Image 

Imagery is key in design, helping people connect with a concept or brand.

Choosing the right words and fonts enhances meaning and balance.

Typography arranges text to convey a message.

Figure 1.21 Week 1 (9/2/2025)

In-game event promotion poster of Zoneless Zone Zero: https://x.com/ZZZ_EN/status/1886278498312237330?s=19

Fig1.21 is an example of Word and Image. As a promotional poster for an event, its design includes both captivating visuals and text introducing necessary information. The combination of typography and image is very suitable, with similar styles and colors.

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ART WORK PICKED

Figure 2.1 Week 2 (15/2/2025)

Tilte: The Main Visual For the FLOWERS Orchestra Concert

Artist: スギナミキ(Miki Sugina)

Year: 2024

Medium: Digital Illustration

SIze: 1920px * 1200px

Source: http://www.gungnir.co.jp/lily/Memoire_eternelle/

This is a promotional poster designed by Miki Sugina for a game music concert, which perfectly fits the serene and elegant atmosphere of the original game and concert music. As the artistic director of the his own game company Innocent Gray, Miki Sugina embodies his fresh and indifferent watercolor art style in this work. With a pure girl paired with a pure white piano, In the center of the open forest in the morning, all of this is enchanting.

Contrast

The artwork employs contrast through both color and lighting. The bright white piano and the girl’s dark clothing create a striking visual difference. 

The soft yellow flowers contrast against the cool gray-blue tones of the forest,  also adding warmth and visual interest.

Emphasis

Emphasis is placed on the girl playing the piano. The open space around her, combined with the way the light falls on the piano, enhances the focus on the main subject.

Balance

The composition maintains asymmetrical balance, with the trees and birds counteracting the visual weight of the piano and girl.

Repetition

Repetition is evident in the vertical lines of the trees,and the scattered yellow petals and flowers, that adds rhythm and texture to the piece.

Movement

Implied movement such as the girl's flowing hair and ribbon, the petals drifting in the air, and the doves in flight. These elements makes the scene feel alive even in this calm atmosphere.

Harmony & Unity

The illustration achieves harmony through its consistent color palette and soft atmospheric lighting. The natural elements like trees, flowers, birds, all blend seamlessly with the subject, creating a unified and cohesive image.

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FEEDBACK

Week 1 : 

No Consultation

Week 2 :

State all images clearly in blog for effective communication. 

Ensure that the blog structure is well organized.

Do not use abstract artworks, as it is difficult to describe the principles behind them.