ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Think of the elements of design as the ingredients you need for a recipe.
These basic components are essential in art and design and how you can visually
construct pieces. Each element of design is a crucial part of a visual message, and the
combination of these has an impact on how the design is perceived. You can use
these design elements alone or in combination with each other, depending on what
you're looking to achieve. These elements work together to convey a message, evoke
emotions, and engage the viewer.
Line: Lines are the most basic element of design and
can be used to define shapes, create patterns, and
convey movement. They can be straight, curved, hori-
zontal, vertical, diagonal, or even implied.
The message / information
Indicates direction, sensse of movement
Directing towards
the message
Navigating to
the message
Elegant
Strong pressence
How significantly we can
observe lines in interior
spaces?
Shapes: Shapes are circles, squares, triangles or
irregular and freeform. They define the outlines of
objects and can be used to create patterns and
compositions. A shape in the elements of design is
the result of enclosed lines to form a boundary.
Shapes are described as geometric, organic, and
abstract.
Geometric shapes
Organic shapes
Abstract shapes
Can see precise shapes
Communicate structure &
rigidity
No sharp edges
Natural & smooth movement
Emphazise with the tones
Minimalist representation
Breakdown into simplified
forms
E.g. Logos
Forms: Forms are three-dimensional shapes with
depth and volume. They can be realistic or abstract
and are often used to represent objects in a more life-
like manner. When a shape acquires depth and be-
comes three-dimensional, then it takes on form. For
example a circle is a shape. Corresponding forms can
be cylinders and spheres.
Positive space Negative space
Colors: Color is a powerful element that can
evoke emotions, create mood, and provide visual
interest. Colors can be primary (red, blue, yellow),
secondary (orange, green, purple), or tertiary
(mixtures of primary and secondary colors).
In design, there are two color systems, RGB and CMYK
Additive
Red
Green
Blue
Cyan
Magenta
yellow
k-Black
Used for WEB Used for PRINT
Subtractive
Textures: Texture refers to the surface quality of an
object, whether it's smooth, rough, glossy, or matte. It
adds depth and tactile qualities to visual designs.
Color
Texture
Adds tactile appreance
Adds depth to 2D surface
Gives embosing effect
Space: Space in design refers to the area within and
around objects. It can be positive (occupied by objects)
or negative (empty space). Proper use of space can
create balance, contrast, and visual hierarchy
Viewing allthe areas
Connects/seperates
elements
helps to group &
organize elements
Positive space refers to areas in your room
filled with furnishings and décor,
while negative space is empty.
SIZE
Size: Size refers to the dimensions of objects in relation
to each other. Varying sizes can create emphasis,
depth, and hierarchy within a composition.
The symmetry created by
equally sized shapes causes
confusion – the eye jumps
from one shape to the other
By reducing the size of one
shape, the eye automatically
focuses on the dominant
shape
By exaggerating the size dif-
ference an interesting ten-
sion is created
David Roberts, Pompejus Column – Egypt, 1838. Exaggerated difference in size gives a monumental impact to this small watercolor
Value: Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a
color. It helps create contrast, emphasize focal points,
and define forms in a composition.
LIGHTNESS
DARKNESS
Problem: Design a Welcoming Entryway
Objective: To apply your knowledge of the elements of design
to create an inviting entryway.
Instructions: design a welcoming entryway for a choice of your space. Select an
image, and design entryway, it should convey a sense of warmth, provide functionality,
and make a positive first impression. You can use any available materials, such as
sketches, cutouts, digital tools, or Models.

elements of design.pdf

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Think of theelements of design as the ingredients you need for a recipe. These basic components are essential in art and design and how you can visually construct pieces. Each element of design is a crucial part of a visual message, and the combination of these has an impact on how the design is perceived. You can use these design elements alone or in combination with each other, depending on what you're looking to achieve. These elements work together to convey a message, evoke emotions, and engage the viewer.
  • 3.
    Line: Lines arethe most basic element of design and can be used to define shapes, create patterns, and convey movement. They can be straight, curved, hori- zontal, vertical, diagonal, or even implied. The message / information Indicates direction, sensse of movement Directing towards the message Navigating to the message Elegant Strong pressence
  • 4.
    How significantly wecan observe lines in interior spaces?
  • 5.
    Shapes: Shapes arecircles, squares, triangles or irregular and freeform. They define the outlines of objects and can be used to create patterns and compositions. A shape in the elements of design is the result of enclosed lines to form a boundary. Shapes are described as geometric, organic, and abstract. Geometric shapes Organic shapes Abstract shapes Can see precise shapes Communicate structure & rigidity No sharp edges Natural & smooth movement Emphazise with the tones Minimalist representation Breakdown into simplified forms E.g. Logos
  • 7.
    Forms: Forms arethree-dimensional shapes with depth and volume. They can be realistic or abstract and are often used to represent objects in a more life- like manner. When a shape acquires depth and be- comes three-dimensional, then it takes on form. For example a circle is a shape. Corresponding forms can be cylinders and spheres. Positive space Negative space
  • 9.
    Colors: Color isa powerful element that can evoke emotions, create mood, and provide visual interest. Colors can be primary (red, blue, yellow), secondary (orange, green, purple), or tertiary (mixtures of primary and secondary colors). In design, there are two color systems, RGB and CMYK Additive Red Green Blue Cyan Magenta yellow k-Black Used for WEB Used for PRINT Subtractive
  • 11.
    Textures: Texture refersto the surface quality of an object, whether it's smooth, rough, glossy, or matte. It adds depth and tactile qualities to visual designs. Color Texture Adds tactile appreance Adds depth to 2D surface Gives embosing effect
  • 13.
    Space: Space indesign refers to the area within and around objects. It can be positive (occupied by objects) or negative (empty space). Proper use of space can create balance, contrast, and visual hierarchy Viewing allthe areas Connects/seperates elements helps to group & organize elements Positive space refers to areas in your room filled with furnishings and décor, while negative space is empty.
  • 14.
    SIZE Size: Size refersto the dimensions of objects in relation to each other. Varying sizes can create emphasis, depth, and hierarchy within a composition. The symmetry created by equally sized shapes causes confusion – the eye jumps from one shape to the other By reducing the size of one shape, the eye automatically focuses on the dominant shape By exaggerating the size dif- ference an interesting ten- sion is created
  • 15.
    David Roberts, PompejusColumn – Egypt, 1838. Exaggerated difference in size gives a monumental impact to this small watercolor
  • 16.
    Value: Value refersto the lightness or darkness of a color. It helps create contrast, emphasize focal points, and define forms in a composition. LIGHTNESS DARKNESS
  • 18.
    Problem: Design aWelcoming Entryway Objective: To apply your knowledge of the elements of design to create an inviting entryway. Instructions: design a welcoming entryway for a choice of your space. Select an image, and design entryway, it should convey a sense of warmth, provide functionality, and make a positive first impression. You can use any available materials, such as sketches, cutouts, digital tools, or Models.