top of page

Design Concepts

Design Elements

Topic Menu
Content Contributors
Christian Bien Portrait_edited.jpg

Christian Bien

Learning Objectives

tutorial.png

one.png
Design Elements
Slide1.jpeg

The design elements are as follows: 

  1. Line

  2. Shape

  3. Space

  4. Colour

  5. Texture

  6. Tone 

The design elements are used to demonstrate the the design principles in the next page.


We also encourage you to have a read of Canva's interpretation of Design Elements and Principles using the link below:

https://www.canva.com/learn/design-elements-principles/

two.png
Design Element #1: Line
Slide2.jpeg

Lines are strokes that can encompass anything in an image. They can be think or thin and curvy or straight. The nature of the line can invoke movement or emphasis.

two.png
Design Element #2: Shape
Slide2.jpeg

The use of shapes in an image can invoke certain design principles and emotions. For example, the use of shapes with soft edges can invoke calmness, with the use of shapes with hard edges and corners can invoke a sense of criticalness or urgency. In the above image, the sharp triangles represent an image that is fierce or dangerous.

two.png
Design Element #3: Space
Slide2.jpeg

Space can be used to direct the viewer's attention to a certain item. Filling an image with too many elements could confuse the viewer when trying to navigate the image. In the above image, the use of white and grey space allows the viewer to focus on the individual walking through the art gallery.

two.png
Design Element #4: Colour
Slide2.jpeg

Colour can be used to provoke emotions in the viewer. The use of cool colours for example can invoke calmness, the use of warm colours can be used to invoke excitement and the use of dark colours can be used to invoke danger or urgency. In the above image, the use of light warm colours in the oranges and pineapple contrasting with the yellow background create a feeling of excitement towards the prospect of summer around the corner.

two.png
Design Element #5: Texture
Slide2.jpeg

Texture in the image can be used to provoke emotions, a soft surface can appear inviting and pleasing, while a rough surface can appear dangerous or unapproachable.

two.png
Design Element #6: Tone
Slide2.jpeg

Tone is simply the lightness or darkness of an image. A lighter tone can be more pleasant while a darker tone can be more dangerous or fearful. While the above image may just be a simple photo of a crowd, the dark tone invoke a sense of danger and fear in the crowd.

two.png
Slide2.jpeg
Design Elements
Design Principles
Production Sketch Example
bottom of page