What makes a “bad” design?

What
makes a “good” design? And how
can you even tell the difference?
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
GRAPHICS AND DESIGN
Graphic Design

Graphic design is the

effective visual
communication of an idea
or concept.
BALANCE
• There are two basic types of
balance: symmetrical and
asymmetrical. Symmetrical
designs layout elements of equal
weight on either side of an
imaginary center line.
Asymmetrical balance uses
elements of differing weights,
often laid out in relation to a line
that is not centered within the
overall design.
 symmetrical

symmetrical

asymmetrical
EMPHASIS
• Emphasis deals with the parts of
a design that are meant to stand
out. In most cases, this means
the most important information
the design is meant to convey.
PROPORTION
• Proportion is one of the easier
design principles to understand.
Simply put, it’s the size of
elements in relation to one
another. Proportion signals
what’s important in a design and
what isn’t. Larger elements are
more important, smaller
elements less.
MOVEMENT
Movement refers to the way
the eye travels over a design.
The most important element
should lead to the next most
important and so on. This is
done through positioning (the
eye naturally falls on certain
areas of a design first),
emphasis, and other design
elements already mentioned.
 REPETITION, RHYTHM, PATTERN
Repetition

• Repetition refers to one object or

shape repeated;
• Pattern is a combination of elements or
shapes repeated in a recurring and
regular arrangement;
• Rhythm--is a combination of elements
repeated, but with variations. Pattern
VARIETY
• Variety in design is used to
create visual interest. Without
variety, a design can very
quickly become monotonous,
causing the user to lose
interest. Variety can be created
in a variety of ways, through
color, typography, images,
shapes, and virtually any other
design element.
Application
15(minutes)

• Form yourselves into 6 groups. Look around and capture 3 images

that show 1 of the 6 principles of graphics and designs.
• Group 1-Balance
• Group 2-Emphasis
• Group 3-Proportion
• Group 4-Movement
• Group 5-Repetition, Pattern and Rhythm
• Group 6-Variety
• Submit your outputs through a collage and send it to your class
Group Chat.
Summary
• Graphic design • Movement
• is the effective visual • the path the viewer's eye takes
communication of an idea or through the work of art, often to
concept. focal areas
• Balance • Repetition, Rhythm, Pattern
• covers how elements are weighted • Repetition refers to one object or
against each other on different shape repeated;
sides of a design to create • Pattern is a combination of
cohesiveness, completion, and elements or shapes repeated in a
satisfaction recurring and regular arrangement;
• Emphasis • Rhythm--is a combination of
• having a focal point for your elements repeated, but with
graphic artwork variations
• Proportion • Variety
• the relative size of the elements in • varying elements and objects in
the design your image, to avoid making them
boring
Study for a quiz on monday.(10 items only)