Design Principles - GCD60804 - TASK 1（Exploration)
3.2.2026 - 22.3.2026
week1 - week7
HIYORI HYAKUICHI / 0373128
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media/
Taylor's University
INSTRUCTIONS
Reflection on This Assignment
By understanding this assignment and deepening my knowledge, I am able to apply what I have learned to my own work, which helps me create better and more thoughtful designs.
Additionally, through this assignment, my way of observing and analyzing design has significantly changed. I am now able to view other works from a broader perspective and with a more critical eye.
Design Principle:
Gestalt theory is a psychological theory that suggests people tend to perceive separate elements as part of a unified whole rather than as individual parts.
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It originated in Germany.
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It is widely applied in UI design, graphic design, architecture, and other visual fields.
Examples :
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Proximity – Elements that are placed close to each other are perceived as belonging to the same group.
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Similarity – Elements that share similar shapes, colors, or characteristics are seen as part of the same group.
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Closure – Even when parts of a shape are missing, the human brain tends to fill in the gaps and perceive it as a complete form.
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Continuation – Elements arranged in lines or curves are perceived as a continuous flow, and the eye naturally follows them.
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Figure / Ground – Objects that appear in front or stand out are perceived as the figure, while elements behind or covering a wider area are perceived as the background.
My understanding:
I think that even when everything is not clearly presented, people interpret and imagine in their minds to complete the whole picture.
It’s like looking at an unfinished puzzle and being able to envision the completed image, even if some pieces are missing.
syoyo / 2025
F20（606 × 727 mm）
Gestalt theory
The work analyzed here is titled Wind. Several visual cues indicate a strong wind: the letters in the background, the expression of the female character, and the hat flying through the air. These elements suggest that the woman is holding an inverted umbrella and that her skirt is being blown outward.
Gestalt principles are clearly applied in this work. First, the law of proximity is evident, as the viewer perceives the object in the character’s hand as an umbrella, and the nearby hat as likely belonging to her. Second, the large word “WIND” behind the character and surrounding objects creates depth, demonstrating the figure-ground principle. Finally, the similarity between the background color and the character’s clothing allows the viewer to interpret the movement of the skirt and the inverted umbrella without explicit boundaries, illustrating the law of closure.
This work was selected for analysis because it effectively organizes visual information and communicates the scene clearly to the viewer.(166 words)
2. Contrast
The design principle of emphasizing and
distinguishing information by making differences clear.
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Guides the viewer’s gaze
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Enhances the overall design
Examples:
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Color (bright vs. dark, complementary colors) – draws attention
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Light and dark (black vs. white) – improves readability
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Size (large vs. small text or images) – creates information hierarchy
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Shape (circle vs. square, straight vs. curved lines) – prevents monotony
My understanding:
I mainly associate this with posters or slides. By guiding the viewer’s
gaze, it clearly communicates what you want to emphasize or highlight.
Maruku osamareba īnoni.
aka / 2024
A4 / B1
Closure (Gestalt Theory)
Reason for choosing this work: Color Contrast
This work mainly uses a deep navy blue tone, which is a dark color, throughout the overall composition. In contrast, warm colors, which are brighter tones, are used at the center to create contrast. From the red circles and triangles above, as well as the background colors, it can be understood that the character is inside an elevator. Depth is created through color alone, and the design guides the viewer’s attention toward the main character, allowing eye contact to be established.
By carefully considering the overall color scheme and the proportion of each color, the quality of the design is effectively enhanced. In addition, placing a clear and vivid color at the center creates a sharp visual impression that attracts attention. The design enables visual guidance for the viewer and distinguishes information clearly, which broadens interpretation and understanding. Because it leaves a strong impression on the viewer, I chose this work. (151 words)
3. Emphasis
Intentionally making the part of the
design you want people to notice most stand out.
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Creates a memorable design
Examples:
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Color (e.g., red within a monochrome palette)
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Size (e.g., large title with smaller body text)
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Position (e.g., placing it at the center)
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Shape or direction (e.g., different from surrounding elements)
My understanding:
I mainly associate this with photos, posters, and typography. By emphasizing
certain elements, it creates breathing space around them and makes the focal
point stand out clearly and memorably.
Characteristics of the emphasis technique include highlighting placement and creating contrasts in color to attract the viewer’s attention. The work was created as a poster. If I were to encounter this poster in an urban environment, I believe my gaze would naturally be guided toward its focal point, and after understanding the meaning of the text and title, I would receive an even stronger impression from it.
I selected this piece because it is the most clear and impactful example of a work that effectively uses the technique of emphasis. (153 words)
4. Balance
In design, balance is about stabilizing
the weight (visual weight) of elements.
Elements that have visual weight:
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Large objects
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Dark or intense colors
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Complex colors
Points to consider:
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Is the overall design stable?
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Is it not too skewed in one direction?
Examples:
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Symmetrical Balance – The left and right sides are arranged almost identically.
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Asymmetrical Balance – The left and right sides are different, but the visual weight is balanced.
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Radial Balance – Elements are arranged spreading outward from a central point.
My understanding:
By creating balance both horizontally and vertically, the design gains a
sense of stability and also feels more unified.
This work was created as a poster for an event. Although the central illustration is asymmetrical, the surrounding shapes, frames, and patterns are arranged using symmetrical balance. By incorporating symmetrical balance into a poster or design, as seen in this work, a sense of unity is created, allowing viewers to engage with the piece comfortably and with a feeling of stability.
Furthermore, when shapes and balance are well organized, the human brain can process information more efficiently, enabling quicker understanding and interpretation. In this poster, the event name, date, and location can be immediately recognized at a glance. When a vertical line is drawn through the center, the placement of the text and numbers forms a symmetrical balance.
This work allowed me to understand how emphasizing certain elements while organizing others can support a sense of stability and visual weight for the viewer. For this reason, I chose this piece.(168 words)
5. Repetition
A design principle where the same
element is used repeatedly to create unity and rhythm.
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Helps bring the design together as a cohesive whole.
Examples:
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Color (creates unity)
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Shape (creates rhythm)
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Layout (improves readability)
My understanding:
Using repetition creates a rhythmic design, allowing viewers to process and
organize information smoothly.
This work incorporates repetition in color, form, and layout. When I first looked at the piece, I perceived the white birds as flying toward the right. However, upon closer observation, I realized that the blue areas, which initially appeared to be part of the background, are also composed of the same bird shape. Unlike the white birds, the blue birds are flying toward the left.
A sense of unity is created through the consistent use of color, rhythm is established through the repeated bird shapes, and movement is expressed through the direction in which the birds are flying. These elements together result in a cohesive design. Depending on the viewer’s perspective, the composition can also appear to move in a zigzag pattern from right to left and from left to right. In addition to the repetition of curved forms, both color and shape are consistently repeated throughout the work.
This piece clearly demonstrates the technique of repetition, regardless of the viewing direction or perspective. Because it is both easy to understand and immediately communicates its concept, I selected this work as an outstanding example of repetition. (193 words)
6. Movement
Guiding the viewer’s eye in the
design in the intended direction.
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Creates order and flow
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Adds a sense of storytelling
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Makes information easier to understand
Examples:
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Lines (convey speed or direction)
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People (guide the eye through gaze or posture)
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Contrast and size differences (large → small, light → dark)
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Rhythm
My understanding:
Adding movement to a design creates a sense of storytelling, allows viewers
to enjoy it more, and leaves a stronger impression.
Reason for choosing this work: Lines, Contrast, Rhythm
This work demonstrates the use of the design principle of movement. Characteristics of movement include guiding the viewer’s eye, creating a sense of narrative, and establishing flow and rhythm. This poster was designed for a VR game. It is noticeable that the opacity gradually decreases from top to bottom. From this visual effect, it can be understood that the spherical object, resembling a ball, is bouncing in a zigzag motion from the bottom toward the top.
Furthermore, the use of dots enhances the digital atmosphere and strengthens the sense of gameplay. Viewers may be reminded of sports such as tennis or table tennis, where a ball curves and bounces dynamically. As suggested by this visual impression, the sport represented in this poster is tennis. In this way, movement and flow stimulate the viewer’s imagination and generate a sense of narrative.
Because I personally experienced this process of visual interpretation and imaginative engagement, I selected this work as a strong example of the movement technique. (176 words)
7. Harmony & Unity
Harmony
A state where different
elements are combined comfortably without feeling out of
place.
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Similar color tones
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Similar overall atmosphere
Unity
A state where all
elements work together as one, conveying a single purpose or
theme.
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Harmony is about “compatibility,” while unity is about “cohesion.”
My understanding:
Having harmony and unity helps organize and communicate
information both visually and conceptually, making it easier
for viewers to understand the intended message or idea.
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Reason for choosing this work: Harmony & Unity
This work was created for an event. It incorporates the design principles of harmony, unity, and symmetrical balance. First, harmony is expressed through the use of color and overall atmosphere. The poster primarily features dark green, orange, and a slightly muted yellow. These color tones evoke an image and atmosphere reminiscent of something from the past.
Next, unity is achieved by coordinating the overall color scheme of both the text and the illustrations, resulting in a cohesive design. By further applying symmetrical balance, the information is clearly organized, making the poster easier to read and leaving a strong, lasting impression. Even when elements with matching background and text colors are placed side by side, they blend naturally without creating any sense of discomfort.
Because the design is both visually and emotionally pleasing to experience, I selected this work as an effective example of harmony, unity, and balance in design. (161 words)
8. Symbol
A visual form that
represents a certain meaning or concept.
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A design that communicates its message at a glance
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Carries a strong message
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Pictorial symbols - Images that resemble people or objects : restroom signs, emergency exit signs
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Abstract symbols - Simplified or abstracted symbols : recycling mark
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Arbitrary symbols - Symbols whose meanings vary depending on culture, knowledge, or level of understanding : brand logos
My understanding:
I think this is a design principle used for things like
company logos or national emblems—designs that anyone can
recognize or easily understand.
This symbol represents an elevator and applies the principle of abstract symbols. The key elements include a rectangle representing the interior of the elevator and a human-like figure inside it. The arrow at the top represents the elevator buttons. The human figure inside the rectangle helps viewers understand that it is something people can enter or ride. The arrow indicates that the elevator moves up and down. Together, these elements allow people to recognize the symbol as representing an elevator.
This symbol is commonly seen in buildings such as malls and schools. Because it is widely used, people can immediately understand its meaning. Although it is an everyday symbol, it effectively communicates information through simple shapes and abstract representation. Choosing this symbol allows us to explore how design can convey meaning clearly and intuitively in a familiar context. It demonstrates how abstract elements, when combined thoughtfully, can create a universally understood visual language. (159 words)
9. Word and Image
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Words – carry meaning
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Letters – determine how that meaning is visually presented
= The way letters are styled can change how the same word is perceived.
My understanding:
By combining words and letters, the viewer’s
impression or image of the message can
change, for better or worse. I think this is
an essential principle for conveying designs
or ideas effectively.
This work features the phrase “forget me not.” However, in contrast to the meaning of these words, the text is partially obscured by lines and blurred effects, as if it is being hidden. The design can be interpreted in two ways: wanting to remember but gradually forgetting, or wanting to forget but being unable to do so.
By blurring the letters and altering their color, the work visually expresses the fading of memory and creates a hazy, mist-like atmosphere. The elegance of the font suggests that the memory may have been something beautiful and precious. For this reason, the phrase appears to communicate a heartfelt plea not to forget.
I selected this piece because it clearly conveys its message through typography and effectively reinforces that message through the use of blur and distortion. This work helped me understand how visual manipulation of text can deepen both the meaning of words and the expressive quality of the font itself. (167 words)
Final Selected Design
Maruku osamareba īnoni.
aka / 2024
A4 / B1
Color contrast, Symmetrical Balance, Pictorial Symbols
Closure, Figure/Ground(Gestalt Theory)
This work was designed by aka, one of the illustrators I greatly admire. Many of aka’s works use mostly single colors, avoiding complex or excessive color schemes, which I find simple yet very eye-catching. Although primarily using a single color, the faces are highly detailed, naturally drawing attention to them rather than the simple backgrounds. The contrast between detailed faces and minimal backgrounds creates a unique balance that feels natural and comfortable.
Her designs carefully guide the viewer’s perspective, emphasizing the parts she wants noticed first while allowing for an overall appreciation of the piece. For example, the viewer’s eyes are first attracted to the striking colors of the poster, then meet the gaze of the main character, and finally explore the other background elements. This intentional control of visual flow shows a remarkable understanding of how to guide attention objectively.
Through the use of many principles and creative ideas, elements that are usually unnoticed become visually recognizable. This made me realize once again how designs that attract people’s interest are truly remarkable. Because I considered this work to be one of those examples, I selected it as my Final Design. (199 words)
Feedback:
week1. 2:
Since the
work originally chosen for
emphasis was slightly different, I
have changed the selected piece.
In the newly chosen work, the
technique of emphasis is clearly
applied.
Identify the three categories of symbols, provide explanations for each, and update the images accordingly. Then, select one of the submitted works and describe it as the final design chosen for Task 2.
Add and explain the final selected design.
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