Elements of Design: Line, Shape, Form, Color, Value, Space, Texture

Elements of Design

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» Engagement » Elements » Overview (Elements) » Elements of Design

Types of Line: Solid, Dashed, Dotted / Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, Zigzag, Curved, Freeform
Uses for Line: Lines divide. They can be used to form a border or separate parts of the design. // Lines connect. They can form a pathway between elements of the design. // Lines decorate. They can also be used stylistically to enhance the design.
Lines draw attention.
Types of Shape: Geometric, Natural, Abstract
Meaning of Shape: circle: harmony, completion, movement / square: order, stability, frame for a design / triangle pointed up: stability / triangle pointed down: instability / triangle pointed right: motion / Natural shapes are things from nature or organic shapes like paint blobs. / Abstract shapes are representations of everyday objects: icons, symbols, and stick figures.
Shape Combinations: Shape combinations can be used to organize information. Shapes can also be combined too form patterns.
Shapes highlight the focal point of a design.
Form: Two-dimensional designs are given added depth by the use of shadow or layering. / Shapes that are fully three-dimensional are called forms.
Forms add depth to a design.
Color: Primary colors and secondary colors combine to make the color wheel.
Color Combinations: Monochromatic / Analogous / Triadic / Complementary / Split Complementary / Double Complementary
Color evokes emotion.
Space: "White space" is the blank area around a design. Macro space refers to larger areas like margins, while micro space refers to the area between letters, words, and lines of text. Used effectively, white space makes text easier to read and helps the eye ascertain the composition of a design.
White space need not be white.
Value: Value refers to how light or dark a color is. / A spectrum of color values is called a gradient.
Value gives visual weight.
Texture: Texture describes what a design would feel like in 3D. It adds both depth and interest to designs. Recent flat design trends eschewed the use of texture, but current design trends are embracing bold colors, gradients, and textures.
Texture adds life to designs.

For further reading:

Design Elements Overview: https://paper-leaf.com/blog/2011/02/elements-of-design-quick-reference-sheet/

Line: https://www.designmantic.com/how-to/how-to-use-lines-to-create-an-impact-in-graphic-design

Shape: https://visme.co/blog/geometric-meanings/

Form: https://prezi.com/ainrd0r6oybc/form-in-graphic-art/

Color: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/beginning-graphic-design/color/1/

Value: https://www.johnlovett.com/tone

Space: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/the-power-of-white-space

Texture: https://blog.depositphotos.com/6-ways-to-use-textures-in-graphic-design-resources-tips-and-examples.html

Using Images in Moodle
Use of Line