Design Principles/ Task 1: Exploration

9/02/2026 - 17/03/2026 / Week 2 - Week 3

Lin Chenyi / 367008

Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor’s University 

Task 1: Exploration

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TASKS

Task 1: Proposal Development

INSTRUCTIONS 

LECTURE

Week 1: 

Visual Design Elements

In the first lesson, we learned about the fundamental elements of visual design, including lines, shapes and forms, size, space, color, brightness, and texture. These elements are the foundation of all visual works, collectively influencing the overall effect and perception of the piece.

Lines: Lines are one of the most basic elements of design. They can be understood as continuous traces left on a plane, or the edges formed when two shapes meet. Lines can be drawn in reality or implied through arrangement or direction.

Shapes and Forms: Shapes refer to two-dimensional areas with clear boundaries on a plane, such as circles, triangles, or irregular organic shapes; forms are the three-dimensional representation of shapes in space, possessing volume and depth.

Size: Size refers to the contrast in area or scale between different elements. By controlling size, designers can guide the viewer's eye, highlight important information, and establish a sense of depth in the image.

Space: Space refers to the distance and area left between or around elements in a design, including positive and negative space. Using space effectively can make a design appear clearer and more spacious, rather than cramped or cluttered.

Color: Color originates from the reflection of visible light by an object and is one of the most direct and emotionally resonant elements in design.

Brightness: Brightness refers to the lightness or darkness of a color and is unrelated to the color itself. Even with the same color, variations in brightness can create contrast and depth, giving the image a more three-dimensional feel and visual depth.

Texture: Texture describes the characteristics or tactile feel of an object's surface, such as roughness, smoothness, softness, or hardness. Texture can be real or visually suggestive. It can make a design look more realistic and textured, enhancing the work's expressiveness.

Task：

Gestalt theory posits that the human brain naturally seeks patterns and structures within an image; we typically perceive the "whole" rather than individual, scattered elements. "Gestalt," derived from German, means shape or form. Designers can utilize proximity, similarity, or continuity to make it easier for viewers to understand how an image is organized.

Figure 2.1 Comparison Example Gestalt Theory (Source: Pinterest)

1. Contrast.

 Contrast enhances visual impact by juxtaposing contrasting elements, such as differences in size, color, brightness, or shape. Good contrast adds depth to an image and clearly distinguishes between primary and secondary information. Contrast not only improves readability but also adds visual interest, helping designs convey their intended message more effectively.

Figure 2.1 Comparison Example 1 (Source: Pinterest)

2. Emphasis 

Emphasis refers to highlighting a particular element in a design, making it the visual focal point and attracting the viewer's first attention. Designers typically achieve this effect through variations in size, color contrast, or placement. A clear visual focus helps viewers quickly grasp the core message of the work.

Figure 2.2 Comparison Example 2 (Source: Pinterest)

Figure 2.3 Comparison Example 2 (Source: Pinterest)

3. Balance

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in an image, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance gives a sense of stability and formality, while asymmetrical balance is more dynamic and design-oriented. Regardless of the method used, good balance makes a work look comfortable and balanced.

Figure 2.4 Comparison Example 3 （Balance）(Source: Pinterest)

Figure 2.5 Comparison Example 3 （Asymmetric equilibrium）(Source: Pinterest)

4. Repetition

Repetition is the repeated use of the same or similar visual elements in a design, such as colors, shapes, patterns, or fonts. Repetition helps establish consistency, making the overall design look more unified and enhancing brand recognition.

Figure 2.6 Comparison Example 4 （Balance）(Source: Pinterest)

5. Movement

Motion refers to guiding the viewer's eye through the image, creating a sense of direction or flow. Designers can create motion through lines, composition, or the arrangement of elements, making the image more dynamic.

Figure 2.7 Comparison Example 5（Balance）(Source: Pinterest)

6. Harmony & Unity

Harmony and unity emphasize the coordinated relationship between all elements in a design. Even if elements vary in size, shape, or color, as long as the overall style remains consistent, the work will appear complete and orderly. This principle prevents the image from looking cluttered.

Figure 2.8 Comparison Example 6 (Source: Pinterest)

7. Symbol

Symbols are simplified visual graphics that convey specific meanings or concepts, enabling information to be quickly understood. Good symbol design often requires no textual explanation and can be recognized by people from different cultural backgrounds.

Figure 2.9 Comparison Example 7 (Source: Pinterest)

            

8. Text & Image

The relationship between text and images directly affects the clarity of information delivery. Text can supplement and explain images, while images can enhance the expressive effect of text. A proper combination of the two can improve overall communication efficiency and visual appeal.

Figure 2.10 Comparison Example 8 (Source: Pinterest)

We were also asked to choose one artwork/design that interested us. The professor suggested that we choose more than one piece so that we would have a wider range of choices when completing Task 1, which would facilitate further research.

Figure 2.11 Stellar Trail (also known as The Girl Who Held a Star), digital illustration by Long Sketchdule, 

Thailand, c. 2023–2024.

Title: *Stellar Trail*

Artist: Long Sketchdule

Size: Digital A4 (210 × 297 mm)

Media: Digital Illustration (Procreate)

I chose the digital illustration *Stellar Trail* by Thai illustrator Long Sketchdule because it transforms the everyday imagery of the night sky into a poetic visual narrative. The artist's precise control over color, line, and composition presents a rich sense of layering in texture and atmosphere: a winding band of light extends from the girl's palm into the night sky, creating a clear visual guide in depth and position, naturally drawing the viewer's attention to the main figure on the right side of the image. Simultaneously, the work employs juxtaposition: the figurative girl and black cat stand out against the abstract star trail background, while the flowing starlight contrasts with the still mountain peak, perhaps related to the core emotion of "guarding hope in solitude." Furthermore, I also appreciate the artist's adjustments to the density of the stars and the thickness of the lines, which makes the visual experience both rhythmic and breathable.

Here are the design principles I summarized based on my observations of this work:

• Harmony and Unity: The cool-toned night sky and the warm white light bands echo each other in color, creating a visually harmonious unity among all elements.

• Movement and Repetition: The repetitive arrangement of countless stars within the light bands, along with the smooth extension of the curves, guides the eye naturally from the girl's palm to the deep night sky, as if starlight is constantly flowing.

• Emphasis : The stars in the girl's palm and her red dress are the visual focal points of the image, emphasized through contrast in brightness and color. She and the black cat are the only concrete subjects.

• Contrast: The deep night sky and the bright light bands create a contrast of light and shadow; the cool-toned background contrasts with the warm-toned light bands and the red dress; the still mountain peak and the flowing star trails create a contrast of movement and stillness.

FEEDBACK

WEEK 2

WEEK 4

REFLECTION

Experience

Overall, completing this module's task was incredibly beneficial. The lecturer's presentation on design principles helped me gain a deeper understanding of the details of various design and artistic works, as well as the functions and logic behind them. Exploring illustrations of different styles allowed me to select suitable research subjects by combining the design principles I learned.

Observation

Completing the activity of finding example works and analyzing design principles significantly improved my observation skills, especially in understanding the expressive purpose of various design elements in works of different styles. This improvement also helped me more accurately identify the various design principles used in the selected illustration "Stellar Trail," whether it was the specific manifestation of Gestalt theory or the combination of principles such as contrast, emphasis, and repetition, all of which could be identified through meticulous observation.

Discovery

I learned that a solid foundation in design principles is crucial when observing and analyzing any artwork or design, as it helps us move beyond mere visual perception and accurately identify and understand the artist's creative intentions. I was also pleased to discover that even the same design principles can be presented in diverse ways in the works of different artists and styles. In completing this task, I explored the specific applications of various design principles in real-world creation.