Task 1: Exploration

Design Principle / Week 2 - Week 3 

Task 1: Exploration

Low J- Yin/ 0352888

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INTRODUCTION

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INSTURCTION

You are to explore the various design principles taught in the module and observe works of design to apply your knowledge. All these must be documented in your blog.

• Gestalt theory
• Contrast
• Emphasis
• Balance
• Repetition
• Movement
• Harmony & Unity
• Symbol
• Word and Image

Pick and briefly describe one goal from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). 

Select an existing art/design work that revolves around that goal of your choice. 

Beneath the image, include the credit line of the art/design work (title of art/design work, artist’s/designer’s name, year, size, medium, source link). 

Some works may not have all these but provide as complete as possible.

Explain, in about 100-150 words, why you chose that design in relation to the UNSDG goal and list the design principles you observed in that design. 

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Design Principles

There are 9 design principles. which is:

Fig 1.0 example of gestalt theory

1. Gestalt Theory: This theory explores how humans perceive visual elements as organized wholes, rather than individual parts. It emphasizes principles like proximity, similarity, closure, and continuation to understand how people interpret visual information.

Fig 1.1 example of contrast

2. Contrast: Contrast involves juxtaposing different elements in a design to make them stand out from each other. This can be achieved through variations in color, size, shape, texture, or other visual attributes.

                                                 

Fig 1.2 example of emphasis

3. Emphasis: Emphasis is about giving prominence or importance to certain elements within a design. This can be done through size, color, position, or other means to draw attention to key elements and create hierarchy.

Fig 1.3 example of balance

4. Balance: Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a design. It can be symmetrical, where elements are evenly distributed, or asymmetrical, where visual weight is balanced through contrast and positioning.

Fig 1.4 example of repetition

5. Repetition: Repetition involves using the same or similar elements throughout a design to create visual consistency and coherence. It helps establish rhythm and unity, reinforcing the overall design concept.

Fig 1.5 example of movement

6. Movement: Movement in design creates a sense of motion or progression for the viewer's eye to follow. This can be achieved through elements like lines, shapes, and patterns that guide the viewer's attention across the composition.

Fig 1.6 example of harmony & unity

7. Harmony & Unity: Harmony and unity refer to the coherence and consistency of a design. Elements within the design work together to create a sense of completeness and visual appeal, while maintaining overall consistency.

Fig 1.7 example of symbol

8. Symbol: Symbols are visual representations that convey specific meanings or concepts. In design, symbols can be used to communicate ideas, evoke emotions, or convey information in a concise and recognizable way.

Fig 1.8 example of word and image

9. Word and Image: The relationship between words and images in design is crucial for effective communication. It involves integrating text and visual elements harmoniously to convey a message or tell a story in a visually compelling manner.

I had chosen No.5 Gender Equality in SDGs.

Fig 1.9 gender equality SDGs

Gender Equality - Equal Rights and Opportunities

Gender equality aims to ensure that individuals of all genders have equal right, opportunities, and access to resources and services, regardless of their gender identity or expression. The society where individuals are afforded the same freedoms, protections, and opportunities regardless of their sexual orientation, respecting and working towards creating inclusive environments where everyone can live authentically and thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

Fig 2.0 Gerda Wegener, On the Way to Anacapri, 1922

"On the Way to Anacapri" was Gerda Wegener artwork, who is known for her paintings that surround gender and love. The artwork presented the artist and her husband Lili Elbe together on a vacation. The artwork shows the respect of love and gender expression between artist and her husband, related to my topic of SDGs, No.5 - Gender Equality. The artwork shows that all genders have the right to choose their own outfit and opportunities to love what gender they like.The artwork employs a nude colour palette, rendering the entire piece incredibly elegant and noble. The use of colours throughout the artwork, in conjunction with its thematic content, is what captivates me the most. The exchange of glances between the main characters serves as the highlight of the artwork, also adding depth and emotion to the piece, which make an important part of the reason I love it.

(147 words)