Gestalt Principles   |   Form   |   Composition   |   Leading the Eye

What is Design?

The word Design, comes from the Italian verb disegnare, meaning to create. Design is the process of purposeful visual creation. Design, unlike fine art, fills practical needs, often being placed before the public to communicate a specific message.
 
Design can also be seen as the visual expression of an idea. The idea is conveyed in the form of a composition. Basic shapes, their sizes, positions and directions, are the elements that make up the initial composition. Contrast, shading and different values and hues of color, are also employed to alter, and add life to a composition. These are all a part of the visual language that the designer has to master, and this visual language is the basis of design.
 
We will examine the qualitative (subjective, intuitive) aspects of design and the quantitative (objective, rational) aspects. When used together, these aspects can create meaningful and engaging forms.