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important theories. Youll want to study each in more depth before putting them to
use, so weve included some additional resources for each.
Single Visual
The single visual method of composition is where a single, generally striking, visual
image is used as the basis of the design. This is sometimes seen on single-page
websites, or more commonly in print design.
The single visual pattern is the easiest composition to successfully achieve. Pick a
strong image and let it do the bulk of the work for you. The key here is to make sure
that other elements of your design (in most cases, the typography is the other
major element of the design) support and reinforce the main visual, and dont try to
compete with it.
Sites like those created on About.me are a great example of the single-visual
composition pattern.
The Divine Proportion
The Divine Proportion (also known as the Golden Ratio, Golden Spiral, Fibonacci
Spiral, Golden Rectangle, or Phi) is approximately 1:1.618. Its a ratio that is found
throughout the natural world in the proportion of various things to one another.
Placing elements along the lines created by the Divine Proportion
while others are more subtle. In either case, though, a pre-defined grid can add a
sense of pre-meditation to your designs that makes them cleaner and more refined.
Gestalt Principles
Gestalt is a German word meaning whole. In relation to design, its a study of the
behavioral and psychological processes of people, and their visual perceptions of
things. In other words, its a set of scientific principles for how the visual design of
something has a direct psychological impact on the viewer.
Gestalt can be broken down into five distinct principles: closure, similarity,
proximity, continuance, and alignment. Understanding and using these principles
can help you more effectively control the emtional and intellectual reactions people
have to your design.
Closure
Closure is the idea that your brain will fill in missing pieces in an image. For
example, with a dotted line forming a circle, your brain recognizes its a circle, even
with big chunks of the line missing. Simple shapes and images are the most easily
recognized, but more complex images can also benefit from closure if theyre
familiar (faces are one such example).
Effective use of closure leaves the viewer feeling more involved with the design, as
they become an active participant, rather than just an observer.
Similarity
When too much visual information is presented, the brain naturally tries to group
that information to make sense of it. Similarity is the idea that these groupings are
often done based on what something looks like, regardless of any similarity beyond
superficial appearance.
There are a few visual cues that help indicate similarity between items: size, shape,
and color are the three most common.
Proximity
The proximity of itemshow close they are to one anotheris an important
psychological indicator of relationships. Items in close proximity are going to be
perceived as related more closely than items that are further apart.
Proximity can either reinforce or counteract similarity among items.
Continuance
Continuance is the principle that once you start looking in a direction, youll
continue to look in that direction until something significant catches your eye. There
are a few different ways to achieve continuance. First, if a person in an image in
your design is looking in a particular direction, visitors to your site will be drawn to
look in the same direction.
Paths in an image can also direct the eye in a particular direction. Things like roads,
lines of trees, or other similar paths all direct the eye. Perspective does a similar
thing, directing your eye toward a focal point.
Continuance can be used to direct a visitors attention to a specific element on your
website.
Alignment
Alignment is such an obvious composition principle that its often overlooked. But
there are different types of alignment, and each can be used for different effects.
Edge alignment is when shapes or elements are aligned based on their edges. Edge
alignment is most commonly seen among simple geometric shapes like rectangles
or triangles.
Center alignment is when elements are lined up based on their centerlines. This
type of alignment works better with irregular shapes, though it can be used with
simple geometric shapes, too.
Overlapping or inserted elements are another method of alignment, and are often
seen in design (think of photo layouts where the images overlap one another for the
most obvious example).
Z Layout
The Z Layout is based on common eye movement patterns. Eye-tracking studies
have shown that people generally look at a website or other design in a roughly Zshaped pattern (starting at the upper left, moving across the screen, scanning to
the bottom left, and then reading across to the right again). Since this is a natural
pattern, it makes sense to align important elements of your design along these
lines.
A similar pattern is the F-shaped layout. Its a similar concept, that people read the
top line first, and then work their way down the page, scanning less of the content to
the right as they go.
For architects selecting a color can be very difficult. Having the right color in a room could
possibly heighten your senses and sooth your stress by a whole lot. Of course, colors are
interpreted from our individual perspectives, and shades play a large part in this.
White Gives the effect of purity, space and cleanliness. Great for bathrooms to represent
cleanliness. Also great for small rooms to give a more open feeling.
Blue Seen as a productive color. Great for offices and workspace.
Green Ideal for the bedroom. Gives off the effect of tranquility and health.
Pink Obviously seen as a very feminine color in the western part of the world. Ideal for
girls rooms and other feminine things.
Purple Great for the living room. Very calm and relaxing color.
Yellow Ideal color for the kitchen. People say its great for metabolism. Gives the effect of
energy too.
Red Great for encouraging your appetite. Its why you see brands such as KFC,
McDonalds and others use it in their logos and restaurants.
Color: Meaning, Symbolism and Psychology
Color conveys meanings in two primary ways - natural associations and
psychological symbolism. No, its not mind control. The truth of the matter is that
people are comfortable when colors remind them of similar things. For example, a
soft shade of blue triggers associations with the sky and a psychological sense of
calm.
Successful design requires an awareness of how and why colors communicate
meaning. The source of these meanings can be quite conspicuous, such as those
found in nature red is the color of blazing fire and blood, blue the color of cooling
waters and the sky. Other meanings may be more complex and not universal.
Meaning of the Color Blue
Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color." Blue is seen as trustworthy,
dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived
as a constant in our lives.
As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to
produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate.
Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that
expresses exhilaration.
Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is
the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
How the color blue affects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition
Meaning of the Color Green
Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is
second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the
natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to
seeing it everywhere.
The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a
natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered
the color of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green,
associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as
do the "slimy" or bilious greens.
How the color green affects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony
Meaning of the Color Yellow
Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden
yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from
surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative
thoughts.
How the color yellow affects us mentally and physically
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
* Encourages communication
Meaning of the Color Orange
Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue.
There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true
orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colors.
Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the
tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.
How the color orange affects us mentally and physically
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization
Meaning of the Color Red
Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a
stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to
the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an
accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.
How the color red affects us mentally and physically
* Increases enthusiasm
* Stimulates energy
* Encourages action and confidence
* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety
Meaning of the Color Purple
Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy
can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which
point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and
royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types
and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.
How the color purple affects us mentally and physically
* Uplifting
* Calming to mind and nerves
* Offers a sense of spirituality
* Encourages creativity
Lovely apple green and white interior makes you wanna have an apple a day! Picture source forgotten I
hope you don't mind.
Warm colors are stimulating and applied to areas where people are received with warmth. Cool
colors are soothing and relaxing and therefore commonly chosen in areas where occupants need
peace and quiet.
Yellow color is warm and cheerful. It enjoys action. It has the ability to project and tend to be forward
looking. It is hopeful and enthusiastic. Will you paint the play area of your kids with this?
Red manifests vital forces and the urge to achieve results and the will to live. It is exciting, competitive,
enticing, enlivening and speeds up the pulse.
Blue indicates of depth feeling. It has a tranquil temperament. It is quiet and generally associated with
peace, contentment and serenity. It has a calming effect.
Green expresses the quest of the person who seeks better condition for all. It indicates firmness,
consistency of viewpoint, constant self awareness and persistence in the sense of opposition or difficulty.
Brown is a sensuous shade and embodies the importance of our home and the company of once own
kind.
Gold is a symbol of affluence. Enough said.
Gray and formal in light tones. It is quite deppressing.
Pink is a girls best friend. It is delicate, subtle, feminine, soft and flattering. A man who wears pink is
confident of his gender.
The major elements or concern of an Interior designer are the spaces of the walls, floors, ceilings and
windows. The furniture, lighting and accessories are chosen are in accordance to its material, style and
finesse. Style trends can be period styles, contemporary, eclectic, and natural.