USING THE ELEMENTS OF

DESIGN

Elements:1. Communication can be verbal or non- verbal. Visual imagery (aka: design) is an example of non-verbal2. Understanding and creating good design requires knowing design characteristics and the elements of design.3. Design – the entire process used to develop a specific project.

THREE DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

• Function: How the design works. Includes usefulness, convenience and organization

• Construction: Materials and structure. • Aesthetics: beauty, pleasing appearance or

effect

FUNCTION• Makes a product and/or room easier to use• Considers the needs of the people who are

using them• Accommodates the ages, sizes and physical

abilities of the users.• Provides easy access and eliminates barriers

CONSTRUCTION• Materials include: fabrics, woods, metals,

plastics or stones• Choosing appropriate materials to support

the room’s function• Must consider design quality, cost,

maintenance, environmental implications, long term cost, etc.

• Must meet industry standard and/or government codes.

• How are they structured – is the product safe, durable

AESTHETICS• Beauty is hard to define however good

aesthetic design should be pleasing to many people.

• It may stimulate an emotion or communicate a message Ex: excitement or relaxation

The Elements of Design

Part 2

The Elements• Designers use tools to design. These tools

are called the elements of designoLineoFormoSpaceoMassoTextureoColor – there is a lot to learn about

color so we will cover more later

Line• Two types of lines are straight and curved• Straight can be…

o Horizontal• Direct your eyes across. They create a feeling of peace, relaxation,

calmness and restfulness Examples in design: A mantel, a long sofa, a book shelf.

o Vertical• Direct your eyes up and down. It suggest height, strength and

dignity and stability. Examples in design: curtains wallpaper, tall mirrors.

o Diagonal (half way between vertical and horizontal)• They represent activity. It also suggest movement, interest and

excitement. Examples in design cathedral ceilings, staircases, lampshades.

• Curvedo Different degrees of curves communicate different ideas. They seem

to be softer. It reflects organization, eternity and uniformity.

Form• Form is the physical shape of objects . It outlines

a three dimensional object and contains volume and mass. It has height, width and depth

• Types of form…o Realistic – looks like the real thing. It communicates a lifelike,

traditional, and familiar feeling.o Abstract – rearranges or stylizes a recognizable object. It

communicates a contemporary, changing, creative, and artistic feeling.o Geometric – uses squares, rectangles, circles and other geometric

figures. It communicates organization, order, planning and a tailored look

o Free – is random and flowing. You can find it in nature, plants, stones and wood. It communicates a sense of freedom

Space• Space refers to the area around a form (ex: area

around a table) and the area inside a form (ex: inside a room)

• Make sure you consider the size of the space and its arrangemento Size – Height, length and width. Who will use the space and how will

they use it. It can communicate positive or negative feelings. • A large space will communicate openness and freedom. However

an extremely large space (sports arena) might cause you to feel small and/or lost.

• Small spaces can make you feel warm and cozy however adding more people or furniture to the same space might make you feel small and/or crowded.

Mass• Mass is the amount of pattern or object in a space• Mass also refers to how crowded or empty a

space appearso High Mass – visually crowdedo Low Mass – visually simple and sparse

Texture• Texture refers to the way something feels or

appears to feel• Two types..

o Tactile – the way it feels to the toucho Visual – you see but cannot feel