Principles of DesignPresented by Randy LeBlanc

Good morning

My name is Randy LeBlanc with Metal Head Inc

in Lafayette, LA. I’ve been in the industry for 16

years and a NOMMA member for 10 years. My

education background is in industrial design

and sculpture. We design and build a broad

range of Architectural and sculptural products.

Before we get started

Disclaimer: In order to get a broad selection

of photos I decided to use previous Top Job

entries, because let’s face it they are the best

of the best! I tried to find appropriate samples

to coincide with the specific topics that I will be

covering.

So you may be surprised to see one of your

own jobs in one of the slides but rest assured

that all conversation will be positive and only

used for productive and meaningful

discussions.

The purpose of this presentation is to

introduce the basic Principles of Design and

how they are used in architectural metalwork.

As professionals, many of us create functional

works to fit certain parameters set by a client

to fill a need. We are usually given a function,

physical dimensions, structural requirements,

location, quantity, schedule, budget, etc.

Sometimes we are given little more than a

need and asked to solve.

I would like to address opportunities to design

within those parameters.

DesignDesign (as a noun) describes the aesthetics of a product

and why it is pleasing to the eye. It is also (as a verb) a

process by which the idea of a product is developed.

We are all very familiar with the process used to build

our various products. It takes knowledge, experience,

and creative thought to make this process successful

starting with Designing the product itself.

By knowing the basic elements and principles of design

you can better develop a product that meets all of its

functional requirements and is aesthetically pleasing. A

strong design vocabulary is valuable in communicating

with design professionals, is a great sales tool, and can

instill confidence that the product will be successful.

Elements

Line

Shape/Form

Color

Value

Texture

Space/Perspective

Principles

Balance

Movement/Rhythm

Pattern/Repetition

Emphasis

Contrast

Proportion/Scale

Unity

BalanceA distribution of equal visual weight.

Symmetrical or asymmetrical

BalanceA distribution of

equal visual weight.

Symmetrical or

asymmetrical

Rhythm/Movement A harmonious sequence or correlation of

elements.

A directed path of optical motion.

Rhythm/Movement A harmonious sequence or correlation of

elements. A directed path of optical motion.

Pattern/Repetition An orderly repetition of an object.

A repeated use of similar objects.

Pattern/Repetition An orderly repetition of an object.

A repeated use of similar objects.

EmphasisAn accentuation of importance.

EmphasisAn accentuation of importance.

Contrast A juxtaposition that accentuates difference.

ContrastA juxtaposition

that accentuates

difference.

Proportion/Scale A scaling of objects in relation to each other.

Proportion/Scal

e

A scaling of objects in

relation to each other.

UnityA harmonious arrangement of elements.

UnityA harmonious

arrangement of

elements.