Visual Design

Robert Munro2005

Graphic design

Graphic design is a large and complicated field:it encompasses user needs, information architecture,

navigation design, and visual designTeaching graphic design is outside the scope of this

courseYou will not be assessed on the finer points of your

design choices

Graphic design and multimedia

You are (probably) not a graphic designer:If you have the funds, employ one

Do-it-yourself design:Keep it simpleMake use of designs you have within your assets

Graphic design and multimedia

Graphic design is as much about effective communication as it is about visual appeal

You can express the relationships between elements:distribution between pages/screensthrough the narratives of navigationthrough visual association

Some basic principles of design

1. Movement

2. Balance

3. Emphasis

4. Unity

1. Movement

Anticipated movement:what elements look like they should move?what event(s) should accompany movement?

Rhythm:the way a user’s eye will flow through an imagedepends on the image contentsdepends on the user’s language and culture

2. Balance

Distribution of objects across the screenBalance can be achieved through:

colourvalue (lightness/darkness contrast)shapepositiontextureeye direction

3. Emphasis

What do you want users to focus on?Determined by:

contrastisolationplacementmovementchange of state

4. Unity

How do elements fit together?Can be created through:

proximityrepetitioncontinuation

Example: Hearing Voices

Movement:Rythmn:

vertical?

Example: Hearing Voices

Balance- symetrical:Horizontal balance

colourvalueshape (doubly)positiontexture

Verticalshapeposition

Example: Hearing Voices

Emphasis:contrastisolationplacementmovement change of state

Example: Hearing Voices

Unity:proximityrepetitioncontinuation