Choose one of the design principles explored in this unit (figure/ground, unity/variety, proportion/scale, emphasis, contrast, balance, repetition, rhythm) and describe it in a few sentences to someone who has no background in design. Which aspects of the design principle that you chose might be familiar to your audience and which aspects will likely be new to them?

Answer 1

Let's explore the design principle of contrast. Contrast refers to the differences between elements in a design, which helps to highlight important features or create visual interest. For example, if you have a dark background and a bright text, the difference between the two (the contrast) makes the text stand out clearly, making it easier to read.

Many people might be familiar with contrast in everyday life, such as the way a black and white photo or a colorful advertisement catches their attention. However, they might not realize how important it is in organizing information, guiding a viewer's focus, or creating a particular mood in artwork or design. Understanding the nuanced ways in which contrast can be applied—such as size, color, texture, and shape—could be new to them, but it'll help them appreciate how design affects their perception of images and information around them.