1. Exploring Graphics
By Mr. Berdinka
Technology Education Department
Northern Lebanon High School
Chapter 3 – Design
2. Chapter 3 – Design
Objectives of Chapter 3:
1. Define design as it pertains to visual content
2. Explore the Design Process and the steps within
3. Identify what “Sketching” is and its role in the design process
4. Explore various guidelines that can assist a designer in
creating more effective design
5. Compare and contrast good vs. bad designs
3. What is Design?
• A word that has several meanings:
• A plan or drawing to show look or function
• An arrangement of detail for decoration
• The act of creating something new or unique
• The means of creating a meaningful arrangement of content
Design is about communicating feelings through visual
sensations and unique experiences.
4. What company comes to mind that has
excelled in “Design”?
• Apple
• High quality product in both form and function
• Capitalized on both the aesthetics as well as emotional feeling
when using a product – being happy
• Less is More – clean and simple with modern flare
• Standing out from the crowd
• Developing and sense of “Class” through innovation and quality
5. Words that correlate to Design
Traditionally, design has been to improve the visual appearance and function of
messages and information.
6. Why follow a Process?
• The Design Process:
• A sequence of steps to direct the flow of ideas, information, and
work product in an efficient manner
• What are the benefits:
• Prevent having to redo things
• So you don’t forget things
• Account for all the important parts
• Acts as a checklist
11. Alt #4 - 8 Step
Design Process
Begin at the
first step and
work up.
12.
13. 1. Analyze the problem
2. Research
3. Brainstorm and Conceptualize
4. Draft Production
5. Gain Feedback
6. Develop Finished Product
7. Delivery
Creating a Logo
Usingthedesignprocess
14. Creating a Logo
• Using the steps identified above, write a question that you
would need to ask/answer, 1 for each of the 7 steps.
• Identify the problem
• Identify criteria and constraints
• Conduct research and brainstorm possible solutions
• Explore existing solution and develop an approach
• Design approach
• Refine the design
• Implement the solution
15. Guidelines for effective graphic design:
• Takes into account the customer philosophy and desires
• Does not limit to one concept, design, or direction
• Accounts for all gender, racial, age, and geographic concerns
• Avoided being to similar or outlandish (in a weird way)
• Is unique yet fits within the expected range of possibility
• Used color effectively to highlight or accentuate, not distract
• Sometimes simple is best
• Follow industry guidelines and practices
• Some recommendations are even backed by science
• Ex. Eye movement as someone looks at a website
Successful and effective design
16. • Personal influences - based on experiences and personal
preference
• Thinking there is only one design/solution is possible or will
work
• Creating or pursuing only one design
• Relying on what has already been done (copycat)
• Forcing design content even though it doesn’t belong
• Not using feedback to gauge or improve a design
• Creating a conflicting, controversial, or ethically disconnected
design
• Limited creativity
• Confusing, distracting, or just plain wrong
Things that can negatively impact
the design process: Related to Graphic Design…
17. What function do “Principles”
serve in graphic design?
• Principles are guidelines that are commonly accepted as a
right or wrong way of doing things, they describe the correct
way of doing things
• Guidelines are not the law and at times can be modified,
tweaked, or altogether ignored if the required end product
requires such changes
• There are many guidelines to graphic design and knowing
them all takes time; chances are if it looks right it is ok and if it
looks wrong – its wrong
18. Things to help a designer
• Design Guidelines
• A set of recommendations on how to apply design principles to
provide a more complete and positive experience
• Achieve better balance and visual appeal
• Be less likely to cause confusion or turn off/away the audience
• Reduce the number of potential problems with a design
• Enhance the consistency of multiple work product
“Design guidelines are sets of
recommendations towards good practice in
design. They are intended to provide clear
instructions to designers and developers on
how to adopt specific principles.” —
www.interaction-design.org
19. Common Design Guidelines
1. Use the correct Document Layout for the type of communication
you are creating.
2. Create a title that is Clear, Large, Bold, and Concise
3. Use margins effectively to set proper spacing around and within
text/graphic elements
• Top = .5” Around pictures = .125” - .25”
• Sides = .75” Center Margin between Columns = .5”
• Bottom = 1”
4. Use color as an enhancement tool with proper Color Schemes
• Generally 3 is acceptable (at times 4, but not more than 5)
• Example: Complementary Colors
5. Avoid Poor Legibility
6. Remain consistent within a work product
7. Balance is key: top to bottom, side to side, empty space to used
space
20. Guidelines Continued
8. Maintain proper proportions – don’t distort
9. Maintain a level of professionalism – quality in, quality out
10. Establish adequate Hierarchy – not everything can be
important
• Most Important
• Important
• Less Important
• Least Important
11. Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation
12. Use alignment correctly
Alignment - Formatting
21. General Don’ts of Design
• Do not have a 1 word line (hanger)
• Do not have text over text or graphics (if it can’t be read)
• Do not have columns be too narrow/wide
• Do not have a 1 line sentence
• Do not use more than 3 fonts in a visual space
• Do not have too many pictures
• Do not have too many things bold/italics
• Do not use too many colors
• Only underline at the top of a List (or Book Title)
• If everything is special, nothing is special
22. The basics:
• Simple drawings using pencil and paper
• Method to communicate ideas in a visual manner
• A fundamental skill when learning to draw
• An important step in the design process
• Begins the documentation process (legal rights)
• Can range from very rough and basic (doodle) to very elaborate (detailed drawing)
• **Note: Generally does not include color until revision phase of design process
What is Sketching?
29. Just the Beginning
General Advice when sketching:
A. Learn the basics – shapes are critical
B. Takes time and practice
-Think of a musician playing scales
C. Start simple
D. Experiment
E. Use proper technique
30. What is a simple sketch
you do on a regular basis?
Answer: Write your name
Lines are the basic of all design elements.
