The Elements of

GOOD Design

Principles and Elements

• Elements are “parts” of the design• Principles are the “rules” for using the parts– We will be learning how to identify the elements

and then apply the rules (principles) to create GOOD design

• Overall Goal => Harmony

Elements Principles

Space Proportion

Line Scale

Form/Shape Balance

Texture Rhythm

Pattern Emphasis

Color Harmony

Space

What is it?

• 3 dimensional area with which the designer works

• Consider size of space and arrangement within the space

How do spaces make you feel?

Design Feeling

Open

Empty

High Ceilings or too little furniture

Too much furniture

Well designed small spaces

If space is limited

• Objects may need to be smaller and fewer in number• To make appear larger – leave

open space, use mirrors, choose furniture that has dual purpose

If there is too much space

• Make space appear smaller by:• Divide space –How?

• Dividers, rugs furnishings• Change shape

Positive and Negative Space

• Negative Space– Empty space– EXAMPLE: the area under the desk

• Positive Space– Filled space– EXAMPLE: the desk

• All rooms should have a balance of both positive and negative space.

LineThe most basic element of design

Line

Connection of two points

Used to separate or unify a space

Conveys a sense of movement for the eye

Directions

Horizontal – follows horizon

Diagonal – angled

Vertical – up and down

Curved

Feelings created by lines

Vertical Lines Formality Increased

height Strength and

stability

Feelings Created by line

What types of lines are in this picture?

What feeling does it give you?

Straight Horizontal lines create a restful and informal feeling

Diagonal

Action Excitement Movement Energy

Curved

delicacy, comfort, graceful, feminine

Uneasy feeling from lines

Sharp angled and competing lines

Structural vs. Decorative

◦Structural The design is an integral part of the structure itself.

The structure and design cannot be separated.

◦Decorative Involves the application of color, line, texture, or pattern to an object.

Form and ShapeIs this chair shape or form?

Shape

Shape is 2 dimensional: length and width (picture of chair)

The outline of an objectBasic shapes---circles, square, triangles, etc.

Everything has a shape—telephones, cows, cars, etc.

Form

Form is 3 dimensional: length, width, and height (actual chair)

Basic forms--cones, cylinders, spheres, cubes, etc.

Form or ShapeCircleSquareCubeSphereCylinderOvalPicture of a cowYour pet

Use in designForm has to do with the actual

weight or the (visual) apparent weight

Large heavy objects signify stability but a group of smaller items can have same effect

Lighter weight appears whimsical, airy

Color and texture change visual weight

Ask yourself

Does the form of the object or space reflect its intended use and fulfill its intended function?

Does it blend with other forms in the room?

Team ShapePut your name on your paper.Each team member choose a different color

colored pencil.Each team member choose a shape (circle,

square, rectangle, triangle, start, heart, etc…).Draw your chosen shape anywhere on this

page.When the teacher says “PASS”, pass your

paper to the person sitting next to you in the clockwise direction.

Draw your shape on the paper that you have. Continue passing and drawing until the teacher tells you to stop.

TextureWhat are some words that describe texture?

Coloring Activity• You need a coloring sheet and a crayon• Take the coloring page and your crayon to

different surfaces around the room• Rub your crayon over a section of the

picture and then choose a new surface and fill in a new part of the picture

• Use at least 10 different surfaces and label each surface

Texture adds variety and interest• Light affects the appearance of

texture• Shiny textures reflect more light

and appear brighter (stainless steel refrigerator)

• Rough textures absorb light thus they appear darker

Categories of Texture

•Visual – the appearance of a surface

•Tactile – the feel of a surface

Formal/Informal• Shiny, smooth textures are

characteristic of formal interiors. • Can you picture a baby grand

piano with a rough texture?• Rough, heavily textured walls

are generally informal.

Size• Heavily textured walls will

make a room appear smaller.• Walls with little to no texture

will make a room appear larger.

Textures affect us• Everything we touch evokes a

physical response (hard, soft, rough smooth, etc…)

• affects sound qualities• affects care and upkeep of an

object• source of beauty and character

PATTERN

PATTERN Arrangement of motifs to create a unified design

Simplest way to add interest to a surface

Too much pattern can make a room busy and uncomfortable

Without pattern, room may be bare or lacking in character

PATTERN COMBINATION If successful – feel comfortable

If incompatible – uneasy feeling

To achieve correctness in combining patterns:Evaluate placement of emphasis

Know character of patternIdentify color scheme of pattern

Use a variety of sizes of patterns