Design^1.0

Every design consist of one or more elements of design. We will discuss the following elements of design, click on the links (below) or scroll down the page.

• Line
• Shape
• Direction
• Size
• Texture
• Color
• Value

Line is the element of length as a mark connecting any two points. Lines can organize, direct, separate, be expressive, suggest n emotion, or create a rhythm. They can join elements or divide them using a rule, which is a line that separates one element in a design from another. Line can be two-dimensional (a pencil line on paper), or implied three-dimensional. A line can also vary in length, width, direction, curvature, and color.

Shape refers to the external outline of a form or anything that has height and width. It can be a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A flat figure, shape is created when actual or implied lines meet to surround a space. A change in color or shading can define a shape. Shapes can be divided into several types: geometric (square, triangle, circle) and organic (irregular in outline). A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.

All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique.

• Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity.
• Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness.
• Oblique suggests movement and action.

Size is how big or small something in a scale to another objects. Scale refers to the process of making size relationship. Unless there is a scale of reference within a design, it is impossible to discern the relative size of objects and meaning they represent.

Texture is the look and feel of a surface. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual. In two-dimensional form, texture is essentially visual and adds richness and dimension to work. Texture can refer to pattern, which is visual texture. Textures are described by word such as rough, smooth, silky etc.

Color is the perceived character of a surface according to the wavelength of light reflected from it. Color has three dimensions: HUE (another word for color, indicated by its name such as red or yellow), VALUE (its lightness or darkness), INTENSITY (its brightness or dullness). The color wheel is made up of only twelve colors.

• Hue: Another name for color
• Value: the lightness or darkness of a color
• Intensity: the brightness or dullness of a color
• Tint: color + white, resulting in a lighter value
• Tone: color + grey, resulting in a darker value
• Shade: color + black, delivering the darkest versions of color
• Adobe Labs - kuler

Value is the relative lightness or darkness of an area or object. Value adds dimension by creating the illusion of depth in a design. With the addition of color, you can create and convey a mood to enhance a strong concept.

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