Task 1: Exploration

Exploration 😱

Basically...

        This is the place where everything starts. The guide involves 3 tasks, starting with exploration where this post is about. Then, task two is visual analysis and ideation, task three is about development and design of the piece of art, and finally the last post is about final compilation and reflection writing. This post talks about some of the concepts of design principles, and below this file is the beginning.

MODULE INFORMATION GUIDE

TASK GUIDE

TASK 1

Part 1

GESTELT THEORY 

This theory is a principle followed by professionals in the design field that originated in early 20th-century Germany. It states that the human brain perceives objects as a unified whole rather than as a sum of individual parts. This principle consists of many fundamental concepts from Gestalt psychology, a school of thought emphasizing how perception is organized. Figure 1 below shows the principles behind this theory.

Figure 1: Visualizing the Gestalt theory principles such as closure, common fate, continuation, similarity, figure-ground, proximity, and symmetry.

Principle of Similarity

Similarity principle shows the relationship between items that share similar characteristics belonging to the same group; for instance, characteristics such as basic geometry, dimension, and colors belongs to the same group. This is used to understand that certain elements have the same function or purpose. Similar iconography, for example, can inform users that symbols work the same way wherever they are on the screen.

Figure 2: An arrangement of circles and triangles illustrating Gestalt’s principles of similarity and proximity

Principle of Continuation

This principle implies the flow that our eyes are guiding in scenarios like curves and lines resulting a visual flow allowing the users attention towards a specific direction which results a smoother and predictable. Think of this like a river, it continues until a waterfall guiding us to one of the natures beauty. 

Figure 3: An illustration demonstrating the Gestalt principle of continuity

Principle of Closure

This is one is of interesting as this is considered as an ability that we have. Its the ability to close or fill gap in incomplete shapes allowing us to perceive a finished object or structure while the same object is partially completed.

Figure 4 An example of the Gestalt principle of closure

Principle of Proximity

By definition, proximity means nearness in space, time or relationship. In design principles, or in relevant field this is defined by how close the elements of design is to one another. A strong proximity lies in overlapping subjects and grouping objects in a focused area.

Figure 5: An illustration of the Gestalt principle of similarity

Principle of Figure/Ground

This principle allows to distinguish figures from its background resulting to show two way perspective or more ensuring that its important element is stand out.

Figure 6: An example of the Gestalt principles of figure–ground and closure

Principle of Common Fate

We interpret items that move or change together as connected, and this is explained by the Common Fate principle. This principle allows you to visually organize a more dynamic features to enhance user interaction.

Figure 7: An example of the Gestalt principle of common fate

Principle of Symmetry and Order (Prägnanz)

Structures that are balanced and symmetrical are inherently preferred by humans. By preserving layout harmony, the Symmetry and Order concept improves the organization and usability of interfaces.

Figure 8: An illustration of the Gestalt law of Prägnanz

CONTRAST

Differences in values, colors, textures, forms, and other factors are all included in this. The focal point of the composition is aided by the significant contrast, which should be situated at the center of interest. Excessive contrast strewn across the piece might undermine its coherence and make it harder to view. Contrast is employed to make the piece more fascinating and to generate visual excitement.

Figure 9: A split black-and-white background highlighting contrast

Figure 10: Visual Contrast - Example 2

Figure 11: Color Contrast - Example 3

Figure 12: Texture Contrast - Example 4

Figure 13: Size and Scale Contrast - Example 5

Figure 14: Shape and Form Contrast - Example 6

Figure 15: Temperature Contrast - Example 7

Figure 16: Line Contrast - Example 8

Figure 17: Space Contrast - Example 9

Figure 18: Direction Contrast - Example 10

Figure 19: Style Contrast - Example 11

EMPHASIS

The parts of a design that are designed to stand out the most are given the most attention. This usually means the main point that the design is trying to communicate. You can also employ emphasis to make some information less important. This is especially clear when a design uses extra information, like "fine print." Small fonts that are hidden at the bottom of a page are less significant than practically everything else in a design. The focus design approach helps visitors find the most important parts by highlighting certain compositional qualities. But it's more than simply adornment; it's a choice that changes how people see and use a design. Emphasis controls where the eye focuses first and how the message is sent.

Figure 20: Emphasis - Example 1

Figure 21: Emphasis - Example 2

Figure 22: Emphasis  - Example 3

BALANCE

Balance is the visual weight of elements in a composition. Balance is used to add stability, add structure, create emphasis and to create dynamics. In design, one should attempt to place visual elements in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, or particular arrangement to fulfill a purpose or achieve a particular look and feel.

Figure 23: Balance - Example 1

Figure 24: Balance - Example 2

Figure 25: Balance - Example 3

Figure 26: Balance - Example 4

REPETITION

Repetition occurs when the same or similar parts are used repeatedly in a design. This is not the same as a repeating pattern of visual elements. The visual style or artwork of the entire design project is more closely related to the use of visual elements as a pattern. Good design practice seeks to replicate specific design features in all works, regardless of how simple or complex they are. We use repetition to give a design a sense of consistency and cohesion. Repetition creates a certain style, coherence, attention, and hierarchy while also strengthening a design. If a design succeeds in communicating and insisting on a particular message that sticks and gets embedded, it will be fulfilling its purpose. Design repetition could be considered a kind of brainwashing. The more we see something, the more we recognize it and the more easily we can recall it. Whether we like it or not, repetition may make an impression on us. People are drawn to and comforted by familiarity.

Figure 27: Repetition - Example 1

Figure 28: Balance - Example 2

Figure 29: Balance - Example 3

Figure 30: Balance - Example 4

MOVEMENT

The design idea of movement allows artists to guide the viewer's gaze around a piece of art. To make a viewer involuntarily glance in a particular direction, painters, for example, will make routes throughout their artwork. Another technique to depict physical action on a still image is through movement, like when a character is escaping, dancing, or engaging in combat with another character.

Figure 31: Movement - Example 1

Figure 32: Movement - Example 2

Figure 33: Movement - Example 3

Figure 34: Movement - Example 4

Figure 35: Movement - Example 5

Figure 36: Movement - Example 6

HARMONY AND UNITY

Because unity and harmony have similar uses in art, it is much simpler to group them together. How cohesive your artwork is as a whole is determined by the concept of unity. It helps to provide a sense of completion to all the elements of art. However, while consistency promotes unity, it can also make your artwork appear somewhat drab. This is where harmony comes into play; harmony is all about using artistic elements to highlight the similarities between different subjects. Harmony can be as simple as adding red to every new item you make or as complicated as creating a cohesive visual aesthetic.

Figure 37: Harmony & Unity - Example 1

Figure 38:  Harmony & Unity - Example 2

Figure 39:  Harmony & Unity - Example 3

Figure 40:  Harmony & Unity - Example 4

Figure 41:  Harmony & Unity - Example 5

Figure 42:  Harmony & Unity - Example 6

Figure 43:  Harmony & Unity - Example 7

Figure 44:  Harmony & Unity - Example 8

SYMBOL

Symbols in design, business, and life are images that convey meaning. In design, a symbol is a group of visual elements that can be used to represent a brand, tell its story, and influence consumers' perceptions of it. According to formal definitions, a graphical symbol is a recognizable figure with a particular meaning that is employed to communicate ideas without the use of words.

Figure 45:  Symbol - Example 1

Figure 46:  Symbol - Example 2

Figure 47:  Symbol - Example 3

Figure 47:  Symbol - Example 4

WORD AND IMAGE

Words and images work better together in a design to communicate ideas than they do independently. Images create an immediate visual impression, whereas words provide context, direction, and clarity. When used well, they can create contrast for a humorous or emotional effect, improve meaning, or even function in harmony. This relationship is important in branding, visual storytelling, posters, and advertisements because it helps focus the viewer's attention and makes the message more memorable and compelling.

Figure 48: Words and Images - Example 1

Figure 49: Words and Images - Example 2

Figure 50: Words and Images - Example 3

Figure 51: Words and Images - Example 4

Part 2

SELECTED IMAGE

Figure 52: Panos_Stamo. “Iron-Man Artwork.” r/Marvel, Reddit
 https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/bbko0o/ironman_artwork/

Artist:  Panos Stamo

Date:  Aug 4, 2009

Medium:  Digital Art

Size:  1080 × 1251 pixels

DESIGN RATIONAL

My attention was drawn to this design right away because of its strong composition and the striking contrast between the tall, armored figure and the much tiny shape underneath it. The disparity in scale produces a powerful visual effect that almost seems to tell a story of inner strength, metamorphosis, or personal development. 

While the lone human figure symbolizes vulnerability, ambition, and the yearning to become more, the armor itself seems to be a representation of strength, protection, and identification. The piece has emotional appeal and a sense of relevancy because of the way the two components work together.

I was especially intrigued using lighting to draw attention. The glowing chest immediately attracts attention and gives the entire design life, acting as a visual anchor. The vivid red and gold palette enhances the heroic tone and gives the character an iconic, futuristic aura. In addition to providing depth, movement, and a hint of chaos, the textured background contrasts nicely with the armor's elegant, well-polished design.

All things considered, the harmony of scale, color, light, and texture makes this work of art visually fascinating. Since it organically includes crucial design components like contrast, focus, balance, movement, and harmony, it is an excellent piece to examine for this project.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN SELECTED DESIGN

1. Contrast
2. Emphasis
3. Balance
4. Movement
5. Repetition
6. Harmony & Unity
7. Gestalt Theory
8. Symbol

Feedback

12 Feb 2026

• Advised not to use info graphic images, instead go for artworks.
• Bulleting's are fine, but try to be as brief and informative possible
• Guided how to embed the link to image source.

Reference

https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/the-laws-of-figure-ground-praegnanz-closure-and-common-fate-gestalt-principles-3?srsltid=AfmBOopzXMXCuiQJTU7zIDkNqAAj4zbxRW9WnnmFEMsJBvhvE9EAVd3B

https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-gestalt-psychology.html

https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/ui-ux-design/gestalt-principles-in-ui-design-creating-meaningful-user-experiences?id=1393

https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/to-understand-what-makes-good-design-work-you-need-to-understand-the-psychology-of-human-bdff3cf20425

https://www.behance.net/gallery/18122387/Gestalt-Principles/modules/122892149

https://www.ramotion.com/blog/emphasis-principle-in-design/

https://254-online.com/repetition-principle-of-design/

https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/software-development/understanding-balance-graphic-design

https://www.wingedcanvas.com/single-post/unity-harmony-the-principles-of-design