Control Attention In Design With Value

To be successful as a designer it is necessary to be able to use value effectively. Value provides the maximum contrast available and is useful for controlling visibility and hence controlling attention.

Value as design element

Value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a certain area. Value can be used for emphasis. Variations in value are used to create a focal point for the design of a picture. A light figure on a dark background is immediately recognized as the center of attention. This is also applicable for a dark figure on a mostly white background.

Value is an important tool for the designers and artists, in the way that it defines form and creates spatial illusions. Areas of light and dark can give a three-dimensional impression. This is similar to when shading areas of a person's face.

Dynamic range of Values

There are differences between how we see values in our experience and how the artist depicts those apparent values. In our world the lightest thing we are likely to experience is the sun, it is too bright to look at. The darkest would be a complete absence of light, like in a cave.

These extremes are much farther apart than the poles of value available to an artist -- white and black pigment.

To reconcile these differences requires that the designer either use one end of the value dynamic or compress the real world's value extremes into the tonal range between white and black pigment.

Using Values effectively

There are two major considerations when using value. First is the amount of contrast which controls visibility. Second is the tonal range of values used that controls mood and ambiance.

Using Value Contrast

The visibility, and hence the noticeability, of an item depends largely on how much contrast it makes with it's surroundings. Black and white are the extremes of value, the most different items can be from each other. When that extreme is used the contrast makes the item the most visible. When the contrast is lessened, the visibility is reduced so that minimum contrast produced minimum visibility

TONAL RANGE

The range of values from black to white is the tonal range available to an artist. The ability to use that range effectively lets the designer determine the mood of an image and create and control ambiance.

Skillful use of Value as a design element allows a designer to control visibility and with that attention and emphasis.

Size – What Are Its Effects In A Design?

In design and art, shapes and lines carry different meaning and significance. Depending on how they are used, shapes and lines create a world of structure, emotion and mystery. A skilled designer may be able to manipulate balance, unity and emphasis in a design with the use of size variation and repetition.

Direction: Visual Manipulation in Design and Art

In a world where lines and shapes portray emotions as well as messages, direction holds great importance.

Organic Shapes Versus Geometric Shapes

Wherever we go, we see different shapes. Some of these shapes are precise and consistent, some are free-form, flowing and unpredictable. Shapes are visible yet mostly ignored.

Introducing Variety Into A Design - Enhance The Feel Of The Visual Image

To increase interest in a visual image, variety must be added into the design. Variety is the final dash to complete the artwork.

Repetition Heightens Visual Imagery In A Design

Repetition is the design principle that defines the visual drama in a work of art. It brings to the composition the oomph that host viewer’s interest.

Design is all about patterns

All designs are made with patterns, whether on structures and gadgets that has mesmerized people to no end. Everywhere you look, patterns emerge. Even our lives are guided by patterns.

Focal Point In A Design - Is Dominance At Work?

A work of art is conceived with series of subjects, each one vying for importance. Order in the composition, is dictated to by the designer’s mastery of the element dominance.

Hierarchy: Puts Order Into A Design

A design composition is a clash of subjects vying for importance. Just how one manages to create harmony and avoid chaos among subjects determines the maturity of the person as a designer.

Point, Line And Plane: Why The Building Blocks Of Design

Design is not possible without a point, a line and planes. All the three design elements constitute the building blocks of design.

The Feeling Of Motion: How Is It Important As A Design Element?

Art or design is actually a concept in motion, never static but perpetually in motion. It is the whole idea in design. Capture or freeze a moment but allow movement to continue.

Space and Design

Design is a delusion rendered on a two dimensional plane. It projects objects to appear in its natural form. This is simply done by the mystical application of the illusion of space.

Universal design: Why is it everybody’s concern?

Now that global travel is evident, universal design becomes a necessity. Universal design is not only meant for the built environment but applies to all things affecting persons with disabilities.

How is the element of Art and Principles of design related?

Elements of art and principles of design are two different things, but are interconnected.  An aspiring artist must be able to feel the elements and conclusively understand the principles behind the art.

Emphasis in Design: Dovetails the drama in a composition

A work of art is a rendition of elements in motion. It trains attention to heighten the excitement and strongly grasp the drama the designer wants the viewer to experience.

Color in design evokes subjective responses

What appeals to one may entirely be different to the other.  The use of color in design does not follow a predetermined curve. All colors perceived are hues reflective of the color wheel. 

Texture in Design Gives dramatic feel to surfaces

Texture is one element that defines the surface character of an object. To varying degrees, glass is different from stone, or bricks because of its surface tactile character.

Texture can be felt physically or perceived visually: An object could either be smooth, rough, hard or soft. The sense of touch can determine the character of a surface. Typically, wood is smooth as stone is rough and hard to the touch. In similar fashion cotton and most cloth is soft. Visually, surfaces can also have varying degrees of perceived textures. However, in all extent optically light and shadow delivers the coup de grace. Shadows are marked in really rough surfaces, while smooth surfaces are plain when subjected to light. The interplay of shades and shadows in a rough surface creates the telling dramatic effect visually.

The effect of texture in design: Texture is a provocative element in all designs. This pertains particularly to two-dimensional images. Whether in art or in architecture is the moving force behind a design. In renderings for instance, it makes the work so real and lifelike. It feels so natural a viewer it seems becomes part of a design scene. The message is relayed forcefully that viewers can relate emotionally. Images concerning bricks or stone look visually natural. Texture is so encompassing that a 2D design will appear as 3D images.

Texture promotes visual interests: It is a critical element in design, but should be handled appropriately to create harmony.

• Texture should not create distraction among the elements; On the contrary it must be applied to enhance the essential elements of the design. If texture becomes too overpowering it misses its only purpose. For example, textures must never be used extremely in backgrounds. Haphazard application can disorient the intended focus of the design.

• In random design application, texture could be the catalyst to create unity. Careful application of repetitive elements must be observed. Too much of the element can cause disarray. Or too little can defeat the purpose of the design.

• Try to avoid extreme repetition of elements in design. However, if it promotes visual interest in the imagery, capitalizing on texture creates a subtle effect. Texture will tone down the expected projection it creates to the entire imagery.

• In some cases, extreme use of texture can have a pulse-pounding effect. Blanketing the design with texture entirely when done intensely could give viewers a subtle effect. This is achieved by the use of gradients or fading texture. Apply solid or dark colors to the less important. And consciously fade the hue to the lightest ending on the most interesting or main focus of the imagery.

Remember, that texture is the culinary equivalent of icing on the cake. It makes or breaks the design. Visual imagery is all that matters.

Next time a design looks perfect, try to look deeply. Texture surely gave the dramatic feel of the imagery optically.

When A Piece Of Art Looks Perfect Unity In Design Must Be Encompassing

Unity in design is really hard to achieve, but easy to distinguish. Working on a piece of art to promote unity may take eons to complete. Only a glance at the finished work can confirm if unity has been reached.

Rhythm In Design Consciously Captivates A Scene

Rhythm introduces order to make anything visually entertaining. We see it all around us, in nature or in man-made structures.

Applied Refinements In Structures: To Tame Optical Illusion In Design

Optical illusion is as old as mankind. It is practically all around us. It gives us a distorted sense of perception. It seems our brain cannot decipher what the eye can see.