Lecture 3-Design Principles

C ontrast
R epetition
A lignment
P roximity

Using the principles of C.R.A.P. provides consistency and unity

Contrast

Avoid blending elements that are merely similar
If elements are not the same, then make them VERY DIFFERENT
This goes for typeface, color, size, spacing, line thickness, etc.
Contrast is often the most important visual attraction on the page
Go for bold contrasts

Repetition

Repeat visual elements of the design throughout the piece
Repeat color, shape, texture, spatial
relationships, line thickness, size, and typeface
Creates organization and unity across the design

Alignment

Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily
Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page
Make sure each elements lines up with something else on the page (use a grid)
Aligning type and graphics adds readability and intentionality, and cohesiveness

Proximity

Group related items together
Place items physically close to each other, so the related items are seen as one cohesive group rather than a bunch of unrelated pieces
Proximity creates a bond between between elements on a page - establishes a visual hierarchy
Proximity organizes the design and content

Workflow Process

1. Define: design statement, vision board and creative brief
2. Architect
3. Design: mockup, site structure
4. Build: XHTML and CSS
5. Deliver: post online

Class Notes 1-19-2012

Heuristic Evaluation Requirements

1. Visibility of System Status

Probably the two most important things that site visitors need to know are:
“Where am I?” and
“Where can I go next?”.

2. Match Between the System and the Real World
ex. Trash can = delete

3. User Control and Freedom

4. Consistency and Standards
Keyboard trends

5. Error Prevention
Avoid Errors of Custom 404 page

6. Recognition Rather than Recall
Recognizable Symbols

7. Flexibility and Ease of Use

8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design


9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors


10. Help and Documentation

Notes 1/11/12

THE PROCESS

1. Define
Gather requirements and understand business and audience objectives. (Both strategic and project requirements)
Creative Brief
2. Design (Including site specifications)
Architecture
Copywriting and Visual Design
User Testing
3. Build (The Final Site)
Code
Usability Testing
QA
Launch
4. Maintain
Marketing Plans
Communication Plans

About me :-)

HELLO!!!
My name is Jessica and I am currently working on a major in Communications and a minor in Marketing. I am a Senior, planing on graduating December of 2012. I am interested in the Advertising field, especially the creative side of things. I m also a full time employee at Taco Bell, and have been thee for 7 years and running. It is my first and only job until recently when I was accepted as an intern (unpaid) at a Design Studio downtown called StudioJ 17.

In my intern I am learning all aspects, hands on, with creating and producing both print and video production. I am expecting my internship to expose me to a wide variety of things that deal highly with video, photos and design.

Final Project Ideas....
NO CLUE!!!