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What Is The Basic Graphics Design Theory? How Can It Help To Learn Graphics Design?
Graphic design is the efficient visual transmission of an idea or concept, while theory is a collection of concepts that is meant to explain something. To put it another way, design theory is a set of concepts that explains how and why design works. Design theory explains why designers need to grasp how everything they put on a page communicates, affects, directs, encourages, entices, and stimulates an audience. You can learn graphic design online through Blue Sky Graphics online graphic design course.
Design theory may be divided into various theoretical methods for understanding, explaining, and describing design knowledge and practise, which we will do next.
The study of design theory entails asking and addressing the question, “Why am I designing it this way?” If you cannot answer that question at each step of the design process, you should definitely do some more thinking.
As designers, we should not base our choices on our own preferences.
So, Exactly What Is Design Theory?
In this section, we will go through the basics of what we consider design theory.
Principles of Design
The five design principles should be applied to all design projects. Each principle is an important component of a design, but how they interact with one another is the most important factor to consider when attempting to convey a message to a particular audience. Check out this post for a more in-depth look at design principles.
Alignment: Aligning page components provides visual links and a cohesive design. It enables the viewer’s eyes to perceive order, making watching simpler and more pleasant.
Repetition: Repetition generates connections and familiarity—repeated parts of a design may be utilised to rapidly and readily identify a brand, magazine, etc.
Contrast may be produced by combining two components that are diametrically opposed, such as a traditional and modern typeface or cold and warm colours. It adds intensity and focus to a design.
Hierarchy: Grouping comparable items near together indicates that they are linked in some way—hierarchy is essential in establishing organisation in a design.
Balance: The weight dispersed on a page by how items are arranged is referred to as balance. There are two types: symmetrical balance and tension balance. It adds solidity and structure to a design.
All five design principles work together to produce a visually attractive and organised design that prioritises readability and reader comfort.
Colour Theory And Colour Selection Technical
Colour theory explains how and why to utilise a certain colour or colour palette in a design. It discusses why colour can be such a strong weapon, how it may attract or persuade, elicit a particular feeling, or persuade someone of anything. The colour red, for example, may be linked with passion or strength—they demand attention.
Colour theory also examines the many variables that must be considered while selecting colours for a design, but how a colour is perceived varies from person to person.
A good designer is able to properly select a colour and harness its power.
Colour technical, on the other hand, is a set of technical concerns about the use of colour in a completed design. These concerns vary based on a variety of factors, such as whether a design is digital or printed. Colour mixing (additive or subtractive), colour systems (RGB, CMYK, etc.), and colour gamut are all examples of colour technical.
Thinking about Design
Design thinking, often known as human-centred design, is all about putting the user first and developing a design for a particular intended audience.
In other words, the designer must put oneself in the shoes of the person who will engage with their design.
Design thinking may be divided into five stages:
Understand this individual, their likes and dislikes, and what they will react favourably to.
Define: They must then define the issue that their design is supposed to address.
Iterate: They must come up with numerous solutions to these issues.
Prototype: Decide how these concepts will appear and construct them.
Test: The target audience puts the design to the test to see what works and what doesn’t.
Stages do not have to be completed in this sequence (though it is essential to always begin with empathy), and you may go back and rewrite stages if your test is unsuccessful.
Elements of Graphic Design
Designers should be able to recognise visual elements and utilise them in their designs.
Line work, pattern, texture, and type are examples of graphic components, which are a mix of forms, lines, and shapes. Graphic components, when utilised judiciously, may offer variety and interest in a design or establish hierarchy to lead the eye through a design.
The distinction between a graphic element and an illustration is that a graphic element is simply ornamental, while an illustration is intended to convey an idea or message.
What Are the Advantages of Knowing All of This?
Design theory teaches you how to integrate form (the design principles, for example) and function (the design goal), which is the foundation of every effective design, according to Bauhaus philosophy. To develop successful design solutions, you need both design theory and practical design expertise.
Being a successful designer is more than simply knowing how to use software; it also entails understanding the philosophy behind it and how it should influence your choices and results.
Furthermore, design theory allows a designer to speak coherently about their creations. Rather than empty explanations, they may explain how theoretical choices lead to their desired result. This skill will be essential throughout a design career, from discussing your portfolio in your first job interview to presenting a design to a new, large client as a creative director.
Design theory basics are essential for every designer, whether they are producing identity work, graphics, or product design.
When you grasp the significance of design theory, you can produce more effective, attractive, and useful work for yourself and your clients.
Designers have been using design theory to create long before software like Adobe CC. These ideas should be part of your design process and design criticism whether you are using a pencil or illustrator.
