Blog#3: Elements and Principles of Design

WEB

Point, Scale, and Plane
Jampack 01 http:yugop.com
Yugo Nakamura’s interactive website is a good example of shapes becoming points in space. Despite its overall minimalist design, this is actually very inviting and playful site. Since the circles are in constant movement, it depends on how they are arranged to find a relative scale between the elements. The contrast in size is obvious and creates a sense of tension, the smaller circles are dwarfed by the bigger shapes falling from the top of the screen creating spatial relationships between them.
Border http:yugop.com
This is another interactive design composed of dynamic planes. Here we can play with negative space, and see the lines becoming planes.

Balance and Rhythm
Amaztype http:yugop.com
The overall design feels stable due to its symmetrical balance. The weight its distributed evenly in space. There is also enough contrast and variation in size and value, and at the same time enough similarity to create a "pulse" or rhythm--contributing to an even more stable design.

Texture
Claygrid http:yugop.com
Here the texture is implied to convey a sense of physical presence. The details of the clay figures give them a 3-D appearance. I also like the contrast of the smooth background against the rough texture of the figures.

MOTION

Point, Plane, and Texture
Pollock Expo in MoMa-TV Spot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ6bu0_txoU
This piece starts with a point becoming a blob of paint on "canvas," which quickly becomes a line following its path in space to then create texture and rhythm. (For this example, I am making reference to one of the links I used in my last blog.)

Rhythm, Balance, and Scale
Graphic City by Z Wang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RInr1Lq9LxI&feature=related
This is a beautiful piece that uses the Braille system of dots to create lines which slowly become planes to then create buildings. In the process, the artist creates patterns composed of dots. Their slight contrast in size helps create rhythm. In terms of scale, it looks like the buildings are re-created objectively in relation to its environment. And despite the fact that the walls are always moving, these buildings look pretty solid and asymmetrically balanced. I also like how the artist creates tension by activating the edges of the format.