Week 1: Design Elements explained

Getting to know the Design Elements

In this activity we will look at the different Design Elements to help you understand what they
are and what they look like. We will look at: Line, Form, Colour, Texture, Pattern, Size and
Space

Meet the Design Elements

The short video, “Meet the Design Elements,” is a first glimpse at
all eight design elements. You will also learn more about the
impact these Design Elements have on our perception of space.

Transcript
This video discusses what design elements are and how interior designers use the
effect of design elements to create successful interior design concepts. Design
elements are the building blocks for any design. Each design element has unique
characteristics that can affect how the design is perceived and how the spaces used.
Design elements can draw attention to a specific area or affect how someone visually
perceives the space by making it look bigger, smaller, or just more interesting. There
are eight design elements line, form, color, texture, pattern, size, space and light.
Design elements may be implied or physically visible, for example. In this image, you
can see how the design element, the line is physically visible in the horizontal bars of
the windows in the office wall. This makes the space look wider than it is. However, a
line is also implied by the placement of the desks and chairs along the wall, making the
space look longer.

Which design elements the designer uses in a specific space depends on the effect
they want to create. To be able to do this successfully, it is important to know the effect
of each design element. To find out more about each design element, follow the next
few steps of this activity.

Discussion for learning

What have you learned so far? Share a list of 2-3 key points in the
discussion below. Has anyone else shared similar points?