Graphic DesignGraphic Design““The Computer as an The Computer as an

Educational Tool:Educational Tool: Productivity and Problem Productivity and Problem

Solving” Solving”

©Richard C. Forcier and ©Richard C. Forcier and

Don E. DescyDon E. Descy

IntroductionIntroduction• Design principlesDesign principles• Visual elementsVisual elements• Basic letteringBasic lettering

Four Design Four Design PrinciplesPrinciples

• BalanceBalance• EmphasisEmphasis• SimplicitySimplicity• UnityUnity

1. Balance1. Balance

FormalFormal InformalInformal

2. Emphasis2. Emphasis• The key The key part part should be should be easy to easy to find.find.

Emphasis Emphasis (Continued)(Continued)

• Arrows or other directing Arrows or other directing devicedevice

• Bright colorsBright colors• Contrasting colorsContrasting colors• Size of elementSize of element• Different shapesDifferent shapes

3. Simplicity3. Simplicity

• Fewer Fewer elements elements are more are more pleasing pleasing to the to the eye.eye.

Simplicity Simplicity (Continued)(Continued)

• Fewer elements betterFewer elements better• 15–20 words maximum15–20 words maximum• Bold, simple drawingsBold, simple drawings• Easy lettering stylesEasy lettering styles

4. Unity4. Unity• The different The different

elements of a elements of a design should design should convey a convey a continuity of continuity of thought.thought.

Visual ElementsVisual Elements• LinesLines• Shapes Shapes • Color and contrastColor and contrast• TextureTexture• Space and sizeSpace and size

1. Lines1. Lines

• Use lines Use lines to direct to direct viewer viewer through through words or words or space.space.

2. Shapes2. Shapes• Shapes are Shapes are

used to provide used to provide clearer clearer communication communication and universal and universal understanding.understanding.

3. Color and 3. Color and ContrastContrast• Research has Research has

indicated that indicated that the the appropriate appropriate use of color use of color can make a can make a visual more visual more attractive to a attractive to a viewer.viewer.

Color and Contrast Color and Contrast (Continued)(Continued)

• Use harmonious colorsUse harmonious colors• Gives separationGives separation• Good for emphasisGood for emphasis

4. Texture4. Texture• Replaces Replaces

sense of sense of touchtouch

• Used like Used like color for color for emphasis or emphasis or separationseparation

5. Space and Size5. Space and Size

• There are There are two types two types of space:of space:– Positive Positive – NegativeNegative

Basic Lettering Basic Lettering GuidelinesGuidelines

• SizeSize• Type style (font)Type style (font)• SpacingSpacing

Size, Font, SpacingSize, Font, Spacing

SIZE SIZE SIZESIZE

STYLESTYLE STYLESTYLE STYLESTYLE

This vertical spacingis too close together

for effective legibility.This vertical spacing

is too far apart for

effective legibility.

This spacing appliesthe general principles

relating to verticalspacing.

Lettering SizesLettering Sizes• Nonprojected:Nonprojected:

1/2 inch for each 10 feet 1/2 inch for each 10 feet of viewing distanceof viewing distance

• Projected:Projected:

36 point font size (this 36 point font size (this is 40)is 40)

LetteringLettering• 2/3 fonts or sized2/3 fonts or sized

• Sans-serif Sans-serif Sans-serifSans-serif• 3–6 words on 3–6 lines3–6 words on 3–6 lines• Optical spacingOptical spacing• Upper- and lowercaseUpper- and lowercase

Questions?Questions?