Design Problems Week 2

Sara Gravemaker
Feb 13, 2017
3 min read

Design problems Point Line Plane:

Numbering of the pictures is vertically from left to right:

1. If looked at these cut down trees from the side, one might discern two larger points, positive, static points. They are larger than one would expect, however, they are still points.

2. In this image from another fallen tree, there are several things to be spotted. First there are multiple negative points gathered together in a group. They're holes and suggest depth and decay. Secondly there are multiple lines, which mark the tree vertically, next to each other, framing both the holes and the protruding larger stump, which we could also see as a point.

3. Another example of points. This time on a fence which also features lines and planes. However, the main feature of the fence is the dotting of points all over it, they are grouped together and because they are natural there is no pattern, which makes them very dynamic and active.

4. An example of lines. These lines are used to cover up an area, which is interesting, they are still transparent. However, they do denote a sense of privacy.

5. The bricks of a wall are also very good examples of how lines for planes and then form a pattern, by the repetition of the bricks.

6. Some plates on the floor, sectioning of the groundworks being done there. The lines connect to form planes and each plane is then marked by one point.

7. Here is another example of all three featured, there are two negative, static points situated next to each other which together with the square forms a face, which has quite a comical effect. The dots are situated in a block of concrete, the plane, the flat surface of the plane allows for the association with the dots as a face. Furthermore, the concrete block is used to hold a fence which is a whole collection of lines put together to make transparent rectangles or planes.

8. Another variation of different lines.

9. Lines in perspective.

What I think is awesome about this is that there are so many different varieties of points, lines and planes to be found all around you. Often the three are inextricably linked, since you cannot have a plane without a line or a line without a point. These points then, in order to have any significance, need to be situated on a surface, which is often then a plane again. So these three somehow create a circle where they are all sort of reliant on each other.

Design Problem 2:

It is very interesting to notice that through the manipulation of lines you can very clearly send a feeling over to the perceiver of a picture. For example, by using very static lines in very pointy angles, slightly lopsided, you get the feeling of distress across very accurately.

Design problems Rhythm and Balance:

In this exercise we were asked to use circles to find balanced and rhythmic compositions. By having the objects vary in size, they counterpoint each other. By arranging them organically and asymmetrically as I have done here, rather that in a symmetric pattern, I created a varied composition. In using the same shapes throughout the composition I managed to keep some rhythm in and by choosing colours that are of the same hue (slightly darker than pastel) it "yields tension and balance"(Graphic Design: The New Basics).

Design problems Scale:

The photographs below of the toy animal figures all use angle and cropping to make them appear bigger than they are. By zooming in on the figures and making the setting recede to the background, you make the animals come forward and look like they are bigger than they truly are.