Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Influenced by the Bauhaus, Jan Tschichold developed the “Golden Canon of page construc-
tion” illustrated in the following Figure.
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Figure 6. Bauhaus graphic design and Tschihold's compositional grid.
Stebbing (2005) suggests that elements and principles of design represent a type of “visual
grammar.”
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Stebbing further suggests that we have become virtually hard-wired to recog-
nise fundamental principles of design. While Tufte suggests that design principles “are not
tied to any particular language, culture, style, gender or technology of information display”,
this commentary asserts that such principles may in fact vary among different cultures and
social groups as well as over time.
20
From an analysis of fifty key texts on art and design, Stebbing identified key principles
considered fundamental to organic form and the creation of visual imagery:
Contrast,
Rhythm (or pattern), Balance (and symmetry), Proportion
along with
Unity/Harmony,
Movement and Expression.
10
Stebbing suggests that the first four principles (
Contrast,
Rhythm, Balance and Proportion
) are evident in organic form as well as visual imagery;
while the other principles relate to perceptual effects arising from organic form or imagery.
Stebbing acknowledges that his set of principles is predominantly Western-centric and
refers to Cho (2001) who suggests that the “grand principles of design” include
Harmony,
Unity, Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Proportion, Contrast
and
Symmetry
as detailed in the
following Table.
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Another perspective is offered by Samara (2007), who provides the following guidelines:
1.
Communication: “Communicate - don't decorate”; a design must communicate
its message or idea to its intended audience, not just the designer;
4
