The principles of design are guidelines that designers use when working with the elements of design. The elements of design consist of line, space, shape, form, color, texture, and value. The principles help make the elements more effective. The principles include proportion, balance, rhythm, variety, emphasis, and unity.
How do the principles work? Suppose a toy manufacturer wants to produce a new toy truck for children. Several principles are involved in just the selection of one element—color—to use for the truck. For example, should the truck be all one color, such as yellow, with perhaps a little blue trim? This use of only two colors would give the design unity. Should the body be yellow, the doors red, the wheels blue, and the interior green? This use of many kid-friendly colors would give the design variety. Should it have monster wheels, or should the wheels be sized to fit the rest of the truck? This choice involves the principle of proportion. Each of these design decisions can make a big difference in the appearance of the final product and how potential customers perceive it.
The principles also play a part in designing a product's package and the advertising that will help sell it. Photographs, drawings, and type styles may all play a part in these graphic designs.
Designers may sometimes ignore the guidelines for their own reasons. However, they first learn how to use them effectively.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate ways in which the design principles play a part in designing manufactured products. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- Which form of type used for graphic design is considered easier to read, serif or sans serif? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
- List at least three ways in which contrast (emphasis) can be created in a graphic design.
- Define radial balance.
- The SHIFT concept bike won an award in 2005. Its body is based on which kind of shape? Do you think this shape is used for contrast or to unify the design? Explain.
- The JetBlue kiosk won an award in 2005. What gives this design unity?
- A student design for a hard-shell backpack won an Industrial Design award. How was line used in this design? As a result, which type of balance was created?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. Be sure to keep a record of the sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Select a manufactured product, the appearance of which you find attractive or interesting. Analyze its appearance based on the elements and principles of design. Which ones were used and how? How do you think they contributed to the product's appeal? Write a report presenting your analysis. Include the product, a photo, or drawing of the item.
- As a class, hold a panel discussion on the influences of design in product purchases. Ask each panel member to discuss examples from his or her own experience.
- Create sketches of six different designs for a simple product, such as a jewelry box or a cell phone cover. Stress a different principle of design—proportion, balance, rhythm, variety, emphasis, or unity—for each one. Indicate on each design which principle you emphasized.
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