This lesson has been adapted from “AIOT Graphic Design Lesson 7: Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast” The original lesson and many other graphic design lessons can be found at http://lroblee.wikispaces.com/Graphic+Design

INSTRUCTIONS As you go through this slide show, please complete everything marked with the orange “Do This” arrow. You will print everything when you are finished, and hand it in as one package of work. Your questions may be hand-written. Please ASK ME if you encounter any questions, problems, or confusion.

The Principles of Graphic Design Proximity Alignment Repetition Contrast

Begin by Watching: Click to begin video Using The Non-Designer’s Design Book 3rd Edition, complete the handout: Note Taking: Principles of Graphic Design Do This!

Proximity: Grouping Related Items Together Related items should be seen as a cohesive group (they should look like they go together). Unrelated items should not be in close proximity (they should not be close together).

Does this design have unity? Where do you begin reading? How many times does your eye stop? What separate elements could be grouped together?

Proximity provides visual clues about organization Where do you begin reading? How many times does your eye stop? What improvements would you make?

See more examples in your text (p. 16-31) Do This! Create 2 different business cards for yourself that both use the principle of proximity. Your card must include: your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. You may include other information if you would like.

Alignment: Unifies and Organizes a Page When elements are aligned, invisible lines connect them in your eye and in your mind. Elements appear connected simply because of their placement

Aligning items gives a stronger cohesive unit Which page is a stronger cohesive unit? What creates the cohesion?

See more examples in your text (p. 34-49) Do This! Read & Summarize page 36 and 40 Read page 46-47. List the changes that were made in order to improve the design.

Repetition: Repeating a part of the design Repetitive elements can be fonts, lines, bullets, colour, a design element, a format, or a spatial relationship. Use repetition to create consistency and visual interest. Use repetition to achieve unity and organization.

How could you use repetition to create unity and organization in this design? When you look at this design, what do you know instantly about the world’s 15 best restaurants? What gives this design a look of inconsistency?

How is this an improvement over the last design? Do This! When you look at this design, what do you know instantly about the world’s 15 best restaurants? What are the repeating elements? List as many types of repetition as you can. Why does each part of the design look like it belongs?

Contrast is created when elements are different Contrast creates interest on a page and aids in organization. Our eyes are drawn to contrasting elements. To be effective, contrast must be strong. If elements are not the same, make them very different.

Contrast creates interest Which of these pages draws your eye in? Which page makes you want to read more?

List as many contrasting elements as you can find on this page. Do This! List as many contrasting elements as you can find on this page.

Explain how the book cover on the right improves the proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast? Do This!

Complete the handout “Defining Format: Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast” Do This!

Finally, go back to your business cards Finally, go back to your business cards. Consider the four principles of design you have studied. Make a third business card that adheres to all four principles. Do This! Use your book for extra support: Ch.7 Colour Ch.8 Extra Tips & Tricks Ch. 9 & 11 Type