Graphic Design “The Computer as an Educational Tool: Productivity and Problem Solving” ©Richard C. Forcier and Don E. Descy

Introduction Design principles Design principles Visual elements Visual elements Basic lettering Basic lettering

Four Design Principles Balance Balance Emphasis Emphasis Simplicity Simplicity Unity Unity

1. Balance Formal Informal

2. Emphasis The key part should be easy to find. The key part should be easy to find.

Emphasis (Continued) Arrows or other directing device Arrows or other directing device Bright colors Bright colors Contrasting colors Contrasting colors Size of element Size of element Different shapes Different shapes

3. Simplicity Fewer elements are more pleasing to the eye. Fewer elements are more pleasing to the eye.

Simplicity (Continued) Fewer elements better Fewer elements better 15–20 words maximum 15–20 words maximum Bold, simple drawings Bold, simple drawings Easy lettering styles Easy lettering styles

4. Unity The different elements of a design should convey a continuity of thought. The different elements of a design should convey a continuity of thought.

Visual Elements Lines Lines Shapes Shapes Color and contrast Color and contrast Texture Texture Space and size Space and size

1. Lines Use lines to direct viewer through words or space. Use lines to direct viewer through words or space.

2. Shapes Shapes are used to provide clearer communication and universal understanding. Shapes are used to provide clearer communication and universal understanding.

3. Color and Contrast Research has indicated that the appropriate use of color can make a visual more attractive to a viewer. Research has indicated that the appropriate use of color can make a visual more attractive to a viewer.

Color and Contrast (Continued) Use harmonious colors Use harmonious colors Gives separation Gives separation Good for emphasis Good for emphasis

4. Texture Replaces sense of touch Replaces sense of touch Used like color for emphasis or separation Used like color for emphasis or separation

5. Space and Size There are two types of space: There are two types of space: –Positive –Negative

Basic Lettering Guidelines Size Size Type style (font) Type style (font) Spacing Spacing

Size, Font, Spacing SIZE SIZE STYLE STYLE STYLE This vertical spacing is too close together for effective legibility. This vertical spacing is too far apart for effective legibility. This spacing applies the general principles relating to vertical spacing.

Lettering Sizes Nonprojected: Nonprojected: 1/2 inch for each 10 feet of viewing distance Projected: Projected: 36 point font size (this is 40)

Lettering 2/3 fonts or sized2/3 fonts or sized Sans-serif Sans-serifSans-serif Sans-serif 3–6 words on 3–6 lines3–6 words on 3–6 lines Optical spacingOptical spacing Upper- and lowercaseUpper- and lowercase

Questions?