Design OverviewQuick Review on the basics of Design

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Graphic CommunicationWhat is it?

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Graphic Communication

Graphic Communication is communication through the use of multiple forms of graphic media; such as images, video, animation and typography; combining art and technology in order to communicate a meaningful message to the audience.

effective graphic communication projects have a clear message or call-to-action.

A call-to-action (CTA) is a prompt to the audience to do something

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Graphic Design

The term graphic communication and graphic design are sometimes used synonymously.

However, graphic design is best defined as the number of artistic and professional disciplines, which focus on graphic communication.

Graphic design refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.

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Design ProcessThe 6 D’s

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Design Process

There are 6 stages known as the 6D’s: Definition, Discovery, Drafting, Design, Development, and Deployment

Each of stage of design process typically has it’s own set of deliverables.

Deliverables is a term used in project management to describe a product of a design process, to be delivered to the client.

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Stage 1: Definition

During this phase designers will meet with the client or project manager to answer variety questions, such as:

What is the message or call to action?

Who is it for?

What are any constraints?

What is the best format/output for the project?

What is the creative direction of the project?

What is our timeline and budget?

What is the project goals or outcome?

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The Creative Brief

During the Definition stage a document known as the creative brief is complied.

The creative brief is usually made up of the following information:

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Stage 2: Discovery

The discovery stage has two parts research and conceptualizing

Research can can ensure a more effective design and provide justification for design choices.

Conceptualizing involves generating many ideas

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Stage 3: Drafting

Drafting is the stage of the process in which designers translates their ideas into an understandable format.

These formats can include:

Thumbnails

Sketching

Storyboards

Flowcharts

Mockups and Comps

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Stage 4: Design

The design stage takes the research, ideas and rough drafts from stage 2 and 3, and combines them into a meaningful product.

Assets are first collected/constructed to be used in the design.

Assets are all the elements that are apart of the completed design.

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Stage 5: Development

Development is the stage after After all the assets and design changes have been once again been approved by the client, and actual production can begin.

Depending on the type of project different versions or prototypes of the product must be developed in order to ensure quality assurance.

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Stage 6: Deployment

The deployment stage is the output of the project. Deployment can be anything from sending a project to the printers, to uploading a web site to a server.

Feedback is two-way communication between the client and the designer, and takes place throughout the design process.

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Design BasicsElements, Principles and Grids

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Design Basics

Design – to arrange design elements into an artistic whole.

Composition is the product or outcome of design.

Good composition is achieved when the elements of design are arranged in accordance to the principles of design

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Design Elements

The Design Elements are the basic components used as part of any composition.

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Point Line Shape & Form

Design Elements

Type is also considered an element when a composition requires text.

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ColorTexture Value

Design Principles

The Design Principles define the structural formation of a design and determine how the various design elements are organized within the compositional space.

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Unity & Variety Balance Scale & Proportion

Design Principles

Appling these principles ensure a pleasing composition.

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Rhythm Emphasis

Heading

Good Composition

Tips for good composition include:

One focus point

Good flow (guide the viewer through the the composition)

Subject of the composition should NEVER face out of the image.

Moving subject should have space in front

The horizon line should not divide the composition in two equal parts.

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Design Grids

Design Grids (Composition Grids) are patterns that which ensure good flow for a composition.

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Golden Ratio Rule of Thirds Rule of Odds

Design Grids

A Grid is created through a series of intersecting lines.

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Rule of Space Typographic Grid