Design 101 | Form | Composition | Leading the Eye
Types of Form
Geometric and Organic
What is form? The shape and structure of an object.
Inorganic form, called Geometric, has regular angles and patterns. It is found in nature as well as in the structures of rocks, and snowflakes, and in human-made form when easy and memorable recognition is required Example 11, natural and human-made geometric form.
Geometric forms are made up of circles, triangles squares or combinations of these. Each shape has unique characteristics, whereas the circle is equal in all directions, the lines of the square and a triangle continually move our eyes in various directions. A square leads your eye up-down, and across. Atriangle leads your eye to a specific focal point, a circle is harmonious, keeping the eye focused in one spot.
Elements of Form
Whether Geometric or Organic, all form is built on basic elements: dots, lines, planes and volume.
A Dot is a visual expression of a point, which is an indicator of location (Example 1). A dot can take any shape, geometric or organic.
As a point moves, (Example 2) its path becomes a line. Line is a connection of 2 or more dots. It can be a continuous mark or series of short, dashed lines. A line can also be a grouping of type, symbols, images or simple markings. Lines are useful for isolating and grouping form and information. Line can be created using negative space. Example of lines using negative space
The path of a line in motion becomes a plane. Plane refers to an area outlined by lines or defined by a grouping of images, type, symbols or markings. It is an expression of height or length and width.
Example 1 | Dot
Example 2 | A Dot in motion becomes a Line
Example 3 | The path of a line in motion becomes a plane
Characteristics of Form
Size We understand the size of a form in relation to other objects or the environment in which the form is placed. Dramatic size differences between elements can create a sense of awe and power. Size can influence our understanding of a message.
Shape refers to the external outline of a form. Shape alone can serve as the identifier of a message through repeated exposure and learned association. The shape of an object defines what we term the positive, while the resulting shape around it is know as negative. These entities may also be known as positive and negative space.
In two-dimensional form, Texture is visual, not tactile. Visual texture can be defined as the sum of visual components that create a plane recognized as a unified grouping.
Color (as relating to hue) has many unique characteristics. One characteristic that is present in form is value, light and dark.
Interactions of Form
Visual elements interact through position, direction and space.
Visual elements and their characteristics are arranged in relation to the area or frame which they appear. (Frames- posters, Ads, brochure page layout, frame can be an 800x600 pixel screen.)
Position refers to the placement of an element relative to other elements and/or the frame. Overlapping, touching, or not touching are basic ways that elements can be placed. The distance between elements, and between elements and the frame, can create points of focus and tension.
The perception or meaning of an element can be altered depending on its relationship to the frame. It can appear in its entirety, or be cropped. Cropping can create a sense of movement and suggest that the Composition area extends beyond the frame.
Direction refers to a course of movement. Horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines of any angle move our eye in a given direction. While elements placed in parallel directions further similarity, contrasting can create focal points and movements in a composition.
Space is perhaps the most important aspect of interaction in a composition. The areas between and around elements are active participants in the composition and can be as dominant and important as the elements themselves. Space can group, separate, and emphasize elements and allow the viewer to better distinguish elements and their roles in composition.
Negative Space (white space) refers to a seemingly empty but active area of the composition. Negative space can appear to come forward and be slightly brighter than the surrounding background. White space is not wasted space. Its role is to direct the viewers attention.