Exploring An Understanding of Design: The Basics You Need to Know
Design is an integral part of our lives, whether we realize it or not. From the branding on our favorite products to the layout of our favorite websites, design choices can influence our decisions and feelings about a wide range of things. But what exactly is design, and what are its basic principles? In this article, we’ll explore the essential concepts that can help you understand design better and appreciate it in The Basics You Need to Know.
What is Design?
Design can be defined as the process of creating a plan or framework for something. This plan can be for any product, service, or system that needs to function in a particular way. There are different types of design, including graphic design, industrial design, web design, and interior design, to name a few.
Key Principles of Design
While design can take on various forms and styles, there are some basic principles that are universally applied. Understanding these principles can help you appreciate design better and create effective designs yourself. Here are some of them:
Balance
Balance in design is when elements are arranged in a way that creates a sense of equilibrium. When design is balanced, it can feel aesthetically pleasing and stable to the viewer. There are three types of balance that designers can use: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference between two or more elements in design. It’s used to create visual interest, grab attention, and add emphasis. Contrast can be achieved by using different colors, fonts, sizes, shapes, or textures.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy in design is the arrangement of elements in order of importance. It helps guide the viewer’s eyes and communicate a message in an organized way. Elements can be made more prominent by using contrast, size, placement, or color.
Examples of Effective Design
Let’s look at some real-world examples of designs that employ the above principles effectively:
Apple
Apple is a company that’s well-known for its sleek and minimalistic designs. The company uses contrast by pairing a simple white background with bold, black fonts to create a clean and modern aesthetic. Apple also uses hierarchy in its product packaging by placing the product front and center and surrounding it with information that gradually decreases in importance.
Nike
Nike is another brand that uses design effectively to communicate its message. Nike’s logo is a prime example of balanced design, with the iconic ‘swoosh’ symbol being offset by the bold ‘NIKE’ text. The brand also uses contrast in its ads by juxtaposing the brand’s slogan, ‘Just do it,’ with images of athletes pushing themselves to the limit.
Conclusion
Design is all around us, and understanding its basics can help us appreciate it better and create effective designs ourselves. By employing key principles such as balance, contrast, and hierarchy, designers can create visually appealing designs that communicate their messages clearly. Whether you’re a professional designer or someone who simply appreciates good design, knowing the basics can enrich your understanding and experience.
