Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Scale
Scale
refers to physical size. Large scale images on a page can result in
dominance of that page. Small-scale graphics can represent lack of importance
or in the case of text; they can be iconic or representative of a single navigational
or representational item. Small scale also implies order, as with a set of
thumbnails. Scale affects composition because it takes the eye to something or
confuses the eye in determining what to look at first. We want to make sure that
we use scale effectively in a Web portfolio pages. During this requires us to have
visual contrast between scaled items or it may require repetition of items at the
same scale to portray a series or a visual list.
In the portfolio we want to make sure that our content items that are specific
work pieces get represented properly by being created at the proper scale. We
don't want our project samples to be too small or too large. Both cases cause
problems due to scale. Images that are too large, may be difficult to decipher,
or maybe disproportional to the space. Images that are too small may be
difficult to see simply because of physical size and lack of resolution.
The best rule I can give you for scale relates to a technical point not a visual
point. The rule is to create graphics to the scale you need for the final Web page.
Visually, experiment with scale to get appropriate visual contrast and to give
elements on a Web page prominence or order.
Repetition
Repetition
refers to repeating elements. Sounds elementary, but sometimes
inexperienced designers one non-designers use it the wrong way. Repetition is
used for several different purposes within a design. Repetition can be good or
it can be bad. Mostly, I think repetition should be used to remember things
easier and allow the user not to think so hard when encountering common
elements. Repetition should act as an intuitive guide for the user. We want to
repeat certain things such as typefaces, positioning of elements, and procedures
that the user communicates with while interacting with the site.
Good repetition should help establish identity, such as when a personal logo is
used on a Web portfolio. However, when the logo is blinking on the page, or
is placed on the page several times, the repetition becomes bothersome and
distracting to the user. Good repetition is when you place all the page headers
