La Martiniere College, Lucknow

Digital Academic Services

Class 10 Subject Mass Media and Communication

Name/Number of Chapter: Print Media

Module Number 20
Dates From: 21st October, 2021 To: 27th October, 2021

Topic: Print Media and Design Principles

Objective: There are three main objectives:
1. To introduce the students to Print Media.
2. To introduce the students to the concept of design.
3. To explain the basic workings of page setup.

Notes:
Principles of Design
• Balance, like physics, determines how weighted a design is to a certain area. If your content stands out in
one particular area of your space, the balance (and attention) will be shifted to that area. An unbalanced design
can create a dynamic feeling, but can also cause people to miss things as the entire page is harder to absorb at
once. Size, colour, texture, and shape of an element can change the visual weight. For example, larger, darker,
brighter, highly textured, complexly shaped objects typically feel heavier and require balance through the
placement of equally "heavy" items or multiple less heavy items.
• Repetition and variety. Repetition can be a great tool for leading the eye across a page, though it can
quickly become monotonous to look at. The more repetition you use, they quicker your audience’s brain will
register your design. It creates a visual link within a space and is an important component of any design. It can
be provided by repetition of pattern, colour, shape, or accessories. By using some slight variations within your
repetition, you will be able to maintain interest.
• Emphasis. This refers to a focal point and supportive furnishings that create the centre of attention. It
should be the accent to which your eye is attracted, and is often a view, fireplace or artwork. Without emphasis
or variety, rooms are monotonous. A focal point or even two emphasized areas can really help to create drama
and interest in a space all while creating an everlasting first impression.
• Proportion and Scale. They're both dependent on size and relationship between objects. Proportion does
not depend on a known size. It's the relationship of one object to another or one part of an object to its other parts
or the whole. Scale is largely based on perception and compares an item or space to something of a known size.
Human scale is the most common reference. To make things look balanced and interesting, sometimes it isn't the
proportion of one object, but rather how the objects relate to others in the entire space which results in a balanced
and interesting setting.
• Unity. This is the end result achieved when all the design elements and principles interrelate and work
together to enhance the visual appeal of a space. Balance, proportion and rhythm in a space bring the elements of
colour, pattern, texture and shape into a functional relationship with the physical aspects of space, light and
structure.
• Sequence is the following of one thing after another in a particular order.

Concepts of Page making

• Page weighting- Page weighing means balancing all the elements on a page of a newspaper, so that it is
visually appealing, as well as leads the readers’ eyes from one component to the next as intended. Pictures
as well as free space should be distributed evenly and in a manner that they do not cluster in one area of
the page. Article should be in neat column, written in the same font and font size, and should end in the
same general area on the sheet, forming a geometric grid.
• Use of white space- White space improves comprehension as and it improves legibility (making the
article easier to read). It makes the paper more appealing by making it more balanced and this allows for
greater focus and impact.
• Colour- Colour is used to create a mood in an image where warm colours such as red and yellow create
a happy environment whereas blue and green give you a relaxed feeling. Colours are also used to make
subjects standout. Vibrancy attracts attention whereas greyscale sets a sorrowful mood or creates
nostalgia.
• Typography- Typography may be defined as the theory and practice of letter and typeface design. In
other words, it is an art concerned with design elements that can be applied to the letters and text on a
printed page. Typography is mainly concerned with the style and size of typefaces. Typography helps the
page look visually appealing, thus holding the reader’s attention. It helps create harmony and continuity.
It establishes information hierarchy. It makes the material reader friendly. It creates and builds
recognition.
Guidance:

Parents are requested to read the extract along with the student before beginning the following exercises. Care
must be taken that the student first learns and understands the material, and does not answer the exercise work
by copying the text.

Learning the various subheadings is crucial as it allows for the student to remember the points that must be further
elaborated on.

Students may compare the notes with real life examples around them to better understand the concepts.

Exercises:

Q1. The following are to be treated as 2 mark questions (2 short points per answer or 2 sentences for a single
point):

1. On the front page of a basic newspaper, what must be provided at the top along with the name of the
newspaper?
2. Explain colour as a concept of page making.
3. What do we mean by the term typography?
4. What is the use of white space?
5. State the importance of page weighting.

Q2. The following are to be treated as 5 mark questions (5 sub headings with 2 lines of explanation for each, or
one short paragraph containing 5 elaborated key points, or broken into segments of marks adding up to 5):

1. State and explain any 5 Principles of Design.

2. Create a short “Main story of the day” comprising of 50 words. The story must include a heading, simple
photograph and caption. (note: you may use a rough précis to ensure exact work count, however this must
not be attached to the answer).