Design Principles - Task 1 (Exploration)




2nd February 2026 (Week 1)  -  2026 (Week 4)

Insha Thahirah Rajab - 0360671

Design Principles - Section 02

Bachelor's Degree  in Creative Media (Honors) - Taylors University

Task 1 (Exploration)



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CONTENTS

Lectures

Instructions

Task 1

References

Feedback

Reflection


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LECTURES

Lecture playlist: 
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_GyF4MZT-lWliJiuMr3mBRGL38VqIdim&si=9E7kPwrMAMa-tQ9V

The introductory lecture brushes up on the Elements vs Principles of Design. 

Week 1 

Introduction: Elements & Principles of Design


Figure 1.0 Elements of Design vs Principles of Design

The elements of design work as "Individual Building Blocks", whereas the Principles of Design act as organizational fundamentals that resulted from or guide the arrangement of elements.

Elements of Design

1. Point: Simplest Element. Forms a line when used as a repetitive mark. As the point moves in space, other two- and three-dimensional figures and forms are created.

2. Lines: Lines can be static or active. They can indicate directions, define boundaries of shapes and spaces, imply volumes or solid masses, and suggest motion or emotion. Can be grouped to portray qualities of light and shadow by forming patterns and textures.

3. Shape: The expanse within the outline of a two-dimensional area or within a three-dimensional object. Becomes visible when a line or lines enclose an area.
   Two categories: Geometric - Tend to be precise and regular) 
                                             Organic - Irregular, often curving or rounded and more informal compared                                                              to geometric shapes)
4. Form: Refers to a three-dimensional area. With two-dimensional media such as painting illustration or drawing form must be implied.

5. Textile: The tactile qualities of surfaces or to the visual representation of those qualities.   
    Two categories of texture: Actual - Experienced by touch
                                              Simulated / implied - Created to look like real texture

6. Space: Indefinable, general receptacle of all things. The actual space of each picture's
surface is defined by its edges - the two dimensions of height and width. In graphic design, space refers to the area that a shape or form occupies. It can be defined as positive (filled) or negative (empty). The illusion of three-dimensional space can be suggested through depth. This can be achieved by overlapping images, variations of sizes, placement, and perspective.

7. Colour: Visual byproduct of the spectrum of light, either transmitted through a transparent material, or as it is absorbed and reflected off a surface. 
    Hue: Colours of the spectrum
    Value: The lightness and darkness from white through greys to black
    Saturation (Intensity): The purity of a hue 

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INSTRUCTIONS



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TASK


Task 1 - Exploration (20%)

1. Recap this task (summarize your understanding of what you are required to do)

2. Describe each of the design principles listed below and select suitable design examples to demonstrate your understanding. Students are NOT ALLOWED to reuse the images from the lecture notes/videos. The examples and any information you borrow from other sources must credit the source.

• Gestalt theory 

• Contrast 

• Emphasis

• Balance

• Repetition

• Movement

• Harmony & Unity

• Symbol

• Word and Image

3. Select a design work that piques your interest.

4. Upload the design (JPEG file, min. A4 size, 300dpi) in your Task 1 blogpost.

5. Beneath the design, include the credit line of the design (title of design, designer’s name; year, size, medium used to create the design and the source).

6. Explain, in a writeup of about 150-200 words, why you chose that design.

7. List (no need to elaborate) the design principles you observed in that design in the Task 1 blogpost.

8. Include the feedback that you received from your lecturer in the Task 1 blogpost. 



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1: GESTALT THEORY

Includes a set of laws/ principles that define the human eye's perception of objects as unified groups, rather than a sum of each individual part. It includes the simplification of visual elements in a digestible format. 

    - Principle of Similarity

Elements that are of similar characteristics are grouped together (such as colour, size, shape). A whole image is then formed in our brains linking each individual element.

Figure 1.1, Principle of Similarity (https://www.pedalo.co.uk/the-principles-of-gestalt-within-web-design/), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

Disney's "Finding Nemo" promotional poster uses the Principle of Similarity to draw viewers attention. In this design, multiple fish elements are grouped together in a constructed order. When viewed as whole, the brain sees the shape of an arrow being formed, pointing downwards. 

Figure 1.2, Poster Design using Principle of Similarity (https://medium.com/@pucp_fad/principios-de-la-gestalt-64118ee151ac), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

    - Principle of Continuation

By following a certain flow of elements, certain lines, shapes, or paths, our eyes prefer to continue a certain path and direct our eyes from start to end.

Figure 1.3, Principle of Continuity (https://www.toptal.com/designers/ui/gestalt-principles-of-design), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

This Rocky promotional poster uses the Rule of Continuation to signify a path of movement that the main subject is presented at the end. The viewer's eyes follow the path from the bottom left of the poster to the right, where the main attention is drawn towards the title text "ROCKY" and the silhouette.


Figure 1.4, Poster Design using Principle of Continuity (https://www.designspiration.com/save/115950771604/), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

    - Principle of Closure

When a shape/ image/ form is established but incomplete in nature, the human brain will complete the picture by filling in the pieces of missing information.



This poster design by Coca Cola is extremely powerful as it uses the Rule of Closure to make audiences complete the image of the iconic Coca Cola bottle, strengthening their brand recognition. 

Figure 1.6, Principle of Closure(https://justakoreangirl.wordpress.com/category/consumer-behaviours/), Week 1 (10/02/2026)


    - Principle of Proximity

Elements that are closer together in proximity are assumed to be of similar category, as the eye groups these elements together. Separations can also be formed between subjects by changing the proximity, or space, between them.

Figure 1.7, Principle of Proximity(https://www.pedalo.co.uk/the-principles-of-gestalt-within-web-design/), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

Principle of Proximity is used in many designs, namely UI UX interfaces. In the image below(figure ), a comparison is made between two online profiles. In the second, the elements are more strongly grouped. Both design focuses on the proximity of the elements to group them together. The social media icons are more closely together in the second visual than the first, for example.

Figure 1.8, Principle of Proximity(https://dribbble.com/shots/26597002-Left-or-Right), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

    - Principle of Figure/ Ground

When looking at an image, the human eye separates images intended to be in the foreground or background. The use of negative and positive space can be manipulated to achieve this.




This Lord of The Rings poster design includes the Principle of Figure/ Ground to distinguish between the two elements: the hand, and the two tower background. The simple use of orange and black (positive and negative space) is what creates this distinction and separates them.

Figure 2.0, Principle of Figure/ Ground Poster Design(https://www.amazon.co.uk/ZCHLATGDE-Decorative-Painting-Bedroom-Picture/dp/B0DPTJ5466?th=1), Week 1(10/02/2026)

   - Law of Symmetry and Order

Elements that are identical and/or mirrored are likely to be grouped together visually by the human eye, as often they appear organized and unified. 


Figure 2.1, Principle of Symmetry(https://www.pedalo.co.uk/the-principles-of-gestalt-within-web-design/), Week 1 (10/02/2026)

Google uses the Principle of Symmetry in their UI design, with the entire homepage mirror aligned and centered to group their elements.


2: CONTRAST

The juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements, such as light and dark, large and small, or rough and smooth—to highlight their differences, create visual interest, or add dramatic effect.


This Poster design uses the contrast of a bright yellow colour against a portrait photoshoot. There is a contrast present in the shape and texture, making the eye stand out as the focal point against the bright yellow to draw attention to it.

Figure 2.4 Use of Contrast in Poster Design(https://crashpadart.com/products/trapped?_pos=15&_sid=f76872d1e&_ss=r&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic), Week 2 (10/02/2026)

3: EMPHASIS

Emphasis is the design principle that involves directing the viewer's eye to a specific element on a composed piece. This can be through the use of a dominant shape, colour, value, form etc. This can create a visual hierarchy, where the main attention is usually towards the central subject of the composition.

Emphasis can also be used in famous paintings. "Impression, Sunrise" by Claude Monet depicts a beautiful scenic setting and uses the principle of Emphasis to bring out the sun by using a saturated contrasting orange against the dull cool-toned blues of the rest of the painting. 

Figure 2.6 Emphasis in Monet's Painting(https://www.wingedcanvas.com/single-post/emphasis-in-art-the-principle-of-design-explained), Week 2 (13/02/2026)


4. BALANCE

Balance is the distribution of visual weight, such as colour, size, weight, texture, space etc. This can be used to establish harmony, structure, and in some cases emphasis. 

There are 3 main types of balance:

   - Symmetrical Balance

Elements are arranged equally along the equilibrium, ensuring elements are mirrored and identical on both sides resulting in a bilateral balance. 

Figure 2.8 Symmetrical Balance(https://ux360.design/balance-design/), Week 2 (13/02/2026)

There is symmetrical balance through photography and even through architecture. In the world-renowned Taj Mahal, the iconic design follows a symmetrically balanced structure being an exact mirror image through the center. In this photograph, the Taj Mahal is centered in a way that makes the picture symmetrical vertically.

Figure 2.8 Use of Symmetrical Balance(https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/asymmetrical-balance), Week 2 (13/02/2026)

  - Asymmetrical Balance

Elements are arranged unevenly along the equilibrium. One side may contain a more dominant element of more visual weight.

Figure 2.9 Asymmetrical Balance(https://ux360.design/balance-design/), Week 2 (13/02/2026)

Van Gogh uses asymmetrical balance in his infamous "Starry Night" painting by distributing unequal weight on each side. On the left is the dark long cypress tree which is balanced out by the smaller light crescent moon on the right. This makes the piece evoke more emotion, and depth.

Figure 2.9 Asymmetrical Balance(https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/asymmetrical-balance), Week 2 (13/02/2026)

  - Radial Balance

Elements are arranged around a central point, radiating outwards. This creates a strong visual composition which is typically circular and evokes movement and depth. They also create a central point of focus.

Radial balance is very important in photography, especially as this principle is present throughout nature. In this photo below. Radial balance is achieved by capturing this flower and centered in a way that the circular composition in present. It makes the image harmonious and keeps the subject the central focus and view.

Figure 3.1 Use of Radial Balance in Photography (https://shotkit.com/radial-balance/), Week 3(22/02/2026)

5. REPETITION

This involves the recurring of same or similar elements along a composition intentionally used to bring a work of art to life, through the use of repeated colours, shapes, textures, etc. This creates visual rhythm and may also create a pattern which makes the piece easier to follow and recognize. Using a variety creates visual excitement and avoids monotony. 


Repetition of certain elements can give a design structure and clarity. In this poster design, a repetition of three-dimensional cuboids and cubes throughout the piece can mimic the layout of buildings in a cityscape, which is further implied through the dotted ribbon flowing through them, imitating a road. 

6. MOVEMENT

Movement is the principle used to guide the viewer's eye throughout a design from one direction to the next in a way that visual information is communicated coherently. This occurs when elements seem to be moving in the work, through the use of lines, curves, shapes, and forms.

Movement can be used in a variety of ways, such as even through the use of typography, as shown below. Modifying the text in a way that replicates a curve or pathway directs the viewers eye from the starting point (also emphasized further through the bright orange circle at the top) to the bottom of the poster, where the typography thickens to create this shape with the words repeated. The message "life experience" is clear as the viewers eye travels downwards to read the text.

Figure 3.3 Movement in Typography Poster Design(https://www.designer-daily.com/life-experience-poster-7071), Week 3(22/02/2026)

6. HARMONY & UNITY

Harmony refers to the cohesiveness and arrangement of elements in a manner that is pleasing to the eye without being completely identical, the share a common feature.



Unity involves the use of identical/similar/repeated elements to complete a composition, showcasing a common theme. This is achieved through the sense of balance and relationships created by the elements.

Although these two seem similar they are entirely different, contributing 2 very unique characteristics to a design can make it feel complete and communicate the correct message to the viewer. In this artwork, the repetition of similar shapes and forms gathered together in various proximities can complete the scenery, one of a valley of hills along with clouds at the top. The harmonious colour palette along with the way the lines flow can evoke a very calm and sensual mood, the colours are muted go together, and the lines and curves makes the piece more interesting.

Figure 3.6 Harmony and Unity in an Artwork(https://www.mutualart.com/Exhibition/Harmony--Unity--and-Expressions/4CF4F7E5A8AA3C35), Week 4(26/02/2026)

7. SYMBOL

A symbol is a sign/ shape/ object that is used to represent a meaning/ other concept, such as the use of an icon. Symbols may refer to various patterns, silhouettes, or images that humans can understand and comprehend almost at a glance. There are many types of symbols: Pictorial symbols, Abstract symbols, Arbitrary symbols. 


For example, the famous yin yang symbol can be identified from a distance just by its appearance, and the meaning is known by many: a representation of balance and harmony, one cannot exist without the other. This is how powerful a good symbol can be.

8. WORD AND IMAGE

The combination of the right words (typography) with the appropriate imagery can present a clearly communicated idea/ message to the viewer. This can be successfully achieved through careful planning, such as using the right positioning, scale, balance, contrast etc. This is commonly used in branding or visual design communication. 

Figure 3.8 Nike Campaign Poster with word and Image(https://www.behance.net/gallery/128327031/Nike-Shoe-New-Arrival-Poster-Design), Week 4(26/02/2026)


This NIKE campaign poster introduces the product, which is the running shoe, through the use of a big centered image. On top the text "New Arrivals" emphasize the message of a new show being released with its use of repetition and contrast. The slogan "Just Do It" is the biggest font warped under the shoe and the shadow. The NIKE logo is on the top right corner with the word "NIKE" clearly displayed to highlight their brand. Pairing all this text with their product makes sense, and establishes their brand release to the public.

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:RESEARCHING DESIGNS

  - Week 1

During week 1, we had to pick a few designs of our choice to dissect and list out design elements. This was my first choice:

Figure , "Ballerinas" by Jules-René Hervé (https://www.leightonfineart.co.uk/artwork/ballerinas-opera-paris/), Week 2(10/02/2026)

I liked this piece as i like the composition of it, the repetition of the ballerinas creates an asymmetrical layout, with an emphasis on the ballerina at the bottom, who is also a different skin tone from the others. This painting spoke to me, not only for its beautiful impressionist art style, but also through the feelings they portray. The rushed excitement and anticipation as the ballerinas hurry up the stairs to what seems to be the curtain backstage, we can feel as though they are getting ready for a performance.

I picked a second design to choose from so my tutor has options to comment on for approval. This was my second pick:

Figure , "Molten Sun" by Mira Lehr(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/263531015665179203/), Week 2(10/02/2026)

This piece spoke to me because I loved the abstract style this artwork was painted in. There is a lot of complexity in the strokes that I felt would be very interesting to analyze, as well as the contrasts in colour, shape and texture. Lehr is known for using nature-based images to showcase the mystery and beauty of nature. She implies expressionist techniques and contrasts her paint to the japanese paper she uses to create those feelings in each of her artworks.

  - Week 2

In week 2, Dr Jin Chi advised me to focus more on the second artwork, as a design is more appreciated than a figurative painting. She asked to dive deeper and provide 3 options before settling with the ones I have chosen. These are two more designs I found, following the same principle but also both spoke to me and was a reflection of my taste. This was the first one: 

Figure , " Sun Rays" by Helene Goldberg(https://www.flickr.com/photos/hgberk/), Week 2(13/02/2026)

I liked this artwork as it adopts a dark grunge style, the colour palette is very rich and dull. I love the use of shapes, and leading lines to direct the viewer's eyes. The piece feels very structured and intentional. The colour choices carry meaning, and the title itself depicts a sign of structure in nature. "Sun Rays" can only mean the lines pointed towards the semi-circle on the left corner which can impersonate the sun. The piece feels more like a reflection of the universe, the meaning is up for interpretation.

This was the second abstract piece I looked into:

Figure , UNNAMED by Unknown(
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/293648838226027425/), Week 2(13/02/2026)

This artwork sparked both me and Dr Jin Chi's interest. It felt more like a design that held a lot of abstraction, shapes, colours, forms, and textures, with little to no figurative subjects. However, the piece remains unnamed and no artist to credit, therefore the meaning is more up for interpretation, which could affect Task 2.

During week 4 I went towards a different approach, as Dr Jinchi suggested that abstract may also be harder to conduct a visual analysis. She suggested going through art styles such as Art deco or Art nouveau. I went through a few artists, but also tried to narrow it down to an artist I felt reflected my own personal taste. This is what I found: 

Figure , Le miroir rouge / The Red Mirror, 1914 by Georges Lepape (Prints and multiples, Pochoir with metallic paint, 27.5 x 22 cm. (10.8 x 8.7 in.)) (https://www.artnet.com/artists/georges-lepape/le-miroir-rouge-the-red-mirror-a-wYmvbXLjXHJFI6suMqI3tQ2), Week 4(26/02/2026)

This piece was approved to be used for my reflection and to be carried forward to my Task 2: Visual Analysis. Details on the artist and the artist were also provided which would assist my analysis further.

:SELECTED DESIGN


Figure , Le miroir rouge / The Red Mirror, 1914 by Georges Lepape (Prints and multiples, Pochoir with metallic paint, 27.5 x 22 cm. (10.8 x 8.7 in.)) (https://www.artnet.com/artists/georges-lepape/le-miroir-rouge-the-red-mirror-a-wYmvbXLjXHJFI6suMqI3tQ2), Week 4(26/02/2026)

The Red Mirror by Georges Lepape conveys an unspoken feeling of femininity and control. This piece really speaks to me through the art style (adopting a fusion of primarily art deco, but also involving art nouveau and cubisim elements), as well through its calming colour palette and use of thin lines/ strokes. The artwork, to me, represents the perfectionism when it comes to getting ready, and the elegance and beauty in such an act. The colours compliment each other strongly and the expression on the woman's face seems focused, yet tranquil. These parallels tie the piece together creating a beautifully composed, simple, but visually interesting work. From a technical perspective, I chose this piece as I am naturally drawn towards works with a clear subject. I enjoy analyzing expressions, actions, and intentions behind paintings, as well as cultural contexts. 

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

  1. Contrast
  2. Emphasis
  3. Asymmetrical Balance
  4. Harmony & Unity
  5. Principle of Figure/ Ground (through the silhouette)

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REFERENCES


The principles of Gestalt in web design. Pedalo digital agency. (2019, April 1). Pedalo. https://www.pedalo.co.uk/the-principles-of-gestalt-within-web-design/

Ruiz, M. M. (2019, September 10). Principios de la Gestalt. Medium. ‌

Chapman, C. (2018). Exploring the Gestalt Principles of Design. Toptal Design Blog. 

What are the Gestalt Principles? (2016, August 30). The Interaction Design Foundation; IxDF - Interaction Design Foundation.

Consumer Behaviours – Just a Korean Girl. (2017, June 13). Just a Korean Girl. ‌

What are the Gestalt Principles? (2016, August 30). The Interaction 

The Principles of Design and How to Use Them (With Infographic). (2025, August 15). Vistaprint Ideas and Advice US.

(2016). Wingedcanvas.com.

Shikhrakar, S. (2022, January 21). Balance Principle of Design. Ux360.Design.

Forsey, C. (2018, June 20). Design 101: Asymmetrical and Symmetrical Balance. Blog.hubspot.com.

S. (2025, April 22). Balance in Graphic Design - A Complete Guide | AND Academy. AND Academy.

Lebendig, U. (2020, October 14). Guide to Radial Balance in Photography

Keung, L. (2019, October 24). The Principles of Design. Design & Illustration Envato Tuts+.

Unity, H. (2026). Harmony, Unity, and Expressions.

Macnab, M. (2015, June 5). Logo Design Theory, Part 1: Symbols, Metaphors And The Power Of Intuition. Smashing Magazine.

Georges Lepape. (2023). Artnet.com.


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FEEDBACK

Week 1

Specific Feedback: -

General Feedback: There will be no Physical class for this week. Please start on your e-portfolios through blogger. Watch the tutorial before doing so.


Week 2

Specific Feedback: You do not need to provide lecture notes, just your own understanding of each design principles with references provided. 

I think your second piece has a stronger visual language, I advise to use a design rather than a painting. Develop this further and perhaps provide 3 examples to choose from. 

After your development, I can clearly see the last piece with the most visual interest, I like this piece the most. If there is no artist or name, that is okay, as long as you can strongly deliver your interpretations/ thoughts/ feelings and list each design principle.

General Feedback: Download the Module Brief from Campus Central or through our Teams group chat. Please label your reference as "Figure 1,2,3 etc..". Make sure your pieces not only follow the brief standards, but be able to express your tone through your work, explain to me why your piece works in order to be a star student.


Week 3

Specific Feedback: 

  1. Include the Module Information (MI) and the Module Assessment Tasks documents at the beginning of Task 1 blogpost. 
  2. You have included suitable examples for each of the design principles so far. I like that you include a simplistic image for explanation of a principle, followed by a specific design for that principle. It shows your understanding. 
  3. Include a reference list at the end of Task 1 for the research you have conducted.
  4. Please complete Task 1 by the time we meet next week in class so I can give you further comments.

General Feedback: For next week's (19 Feb) class, there will not be face-to-face class on campus. It will be replaced by online, written feedback on Friday, 20 Feb. Please INDIVIDUALLY send me your Task 1 blog link (updated version) before 12pm on Friday, 20 Feb. 

 

Week 4

Specific Feedback: Using an abstract piece may be difficult to conduct a visual analysis on. Plus, with your specific artwork chosen, with no artist details or background on the work, Task 2 will be unattainable. Changing the chosen piece is the best possible option. Maybe look into something you connect with, art deco or other styles. Possibly music genres you are interested in, take inspiration from album covers, such as from rock or punk bands. Any source of design works, as long as principles are present and they can be analyzed further in Task 2.

The artwork you have chosen is approved for finalization. I like the colour palette! Very cute piece. Make sure you can identify and explain the design principles as well as the artist and their techniques used.

General Feedback: Submission will be this Sunday. No further edits can be made after the due date. Make sure to include a reference list please. 


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REFLECTION

Experience: Task 1 was a task I found relatively interesting and easy. I enjoyed learning each principle, summarizing through my own understanding and finding my own reference images to suit each one. Classes felt productive and feedback from Dr Jin Chi was super helpful and insightful, I felt my progression improve through classes every week. Overall, this task was to the point and very reseacrh-based, which I enjoyed as I prefer self-learning.

Observations: While talking through peers I understood that many would offer the same questions and doubts I had, a lot of us were able to discuss together. By looking through past pupils work, I was able to gather more understanding on the structure of the e-portfolio, as well as notes on each principle. However, I made the mistake of assuming we needed to write lecture notes from the YouTube videos Dr Jin Chi sent, which was later then cleared up through consultation.

Findings: Through my research, I discovered all the different uses of Gestalt Theory as well as Design Principles through a variety of art medium: Paintings, Photography, Advertising, Graphic Design etc. This really interested me as I understood how powerful understanding theory was, and how a message can be delivered beautifully to an audience.


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