Elements and Principles of Design

Elements and principles of design:
Elements:
Line / Direction:
Line is an element of design which leads the
eye around a design, shape or form.
Line can form contours, outlines and creates
shape & patterns.
Line can divide a space or outline an object.
Line can express emotion, movement and
communicate a feeling.
Examples of different types of design lines include:

horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, thick, thin,
straight, curved, wavy, spiralled, split or broken.
Shape / Size:
Shape is a closed line. There are two main
types of shapes in design: Organic (such as free
formed natural shapes) or geometric (such as
squares, circles and triangles).
When lines connect to form a shape with no
depth, the shape is two-dimensional or flat.
When depth is applied to a shape it becomes a
three-dimensional shape. 3D shapes are known
as form.
Use of Shapes in apparel:
Shape can be used in apparel to create optical
illusions in just the same way as a line. Designs
that create vertical shape or space make the
wearer appear slimmer. Horizontal shapes
divide the body, making it appear shorter and
wider.
Colour / Value:
Colour is one of the most important elements of
design. Levels of colour are described using
the terms hue, value and intensity. Hue: is a term
which means ‘colour ‘Value is the lightness or
darkness of a colour. Value can add depth and
volume to a design. E.g., A navy blue has a higher
‘value’ than a baby blue Shade: A colour with
black added to it and has a higher value. Tint: A
colour that has a white added to and has a lower value
Texture:
Texture refers to the surface characteristics of a design. Texture has two
main recognisable types: Visual and Tactile.
Texture adds interest and dimension to a design. Types of texture include
rough, smooth, shiny, bumpy, fuzzy, prickly, sueded and fine.
Texture in apparel:
Texture can be used in apparel to create optical illusions in just the same
way as line and shape. Bulky textures make the figure appear larger but can
also disguise body shape. They can give a cosy feel to a garment – such as
winter jumpers etc. Smooth, shiny textures like satin can also make the
body appear larger because the light reflection tends to make the object
appear closer. Dull, matt textures tend to be slimming.
The principle of design:
Proportion:
the ratio of the different elements
within a design, High waist and longer
skirts make figures
look taller and slimmer.
Even proportions emphasis squareness
and make the figure look shorter
Refers to the relationship between one or
two parts of a design and the entire design.
Proportion can be a comparison of sizes,
shapes or the amount of specific design
elements.
Balance:
Symmetrical elements are the same or
similar on either side of an
axis. The weight is distributed.
evenly.
Asymmetrical elements used on either side
of an axis are not distributed
evenly.
Radical balance A design originates from a
central point and all elements
radiate out evenly from that
point.
Rhythm:
repeating design elements such as pleats –
can build rhythm
Emphasis:
creating accents / focal points within a
design, Emphasis is the focal point. This
is the part of the design that captures the
viewer’s attention. It will be an area on the
design or within the design structure that
stands out from the rest of the design.
 Emphasis created by using shape
 Emphasis created by using colour and
Line
 Emphasis created by using surface decoration.
Contrast:
contrasting elements: vertical / horizontal
line or colour contrasts for example – to add.
interest, Refers to the relationship between
one or two parts of a design and the entire
design or repeated design features are.
consistent and blend together to create an
aesthetic design.
Proportion can be a comparison of sizes, shapes or the amount of specific design

elements.
Unity:
visual elements are balanced and create a
pleasing aesthetic, The various visual
elements of the design work together to
unify the overall work for high aesthetic appeal.
Critical analysis of the aesthetic and functional features

of the final design, with reference to the elements and
principles of design:
Aesthetic
 Texture: Gathering
 Shape: Asymmetrical, Laser cut
 Bright red: Colour
 Line:
 Balance proportion:
 Repetition:
Functional
 Zipper
 Gathering (allows movement)
Example and tips

 Turn into sentences.
 Bold element and principal technique
 Intricate laser cut, organic shapes to enhance and manipulate the composition of
positive and negative space, resulting in a more buoyant illusion. Repetition of
this pattern creates rhythm and a sense of organised movement to the design.
Section 4: IEE
Materials: x4
Aim: To determine:
Equipment: x4
Aim: To determine:
Manufacturing process: x2
Aim: to determine:
Aim: To determine the most effective seam to use in my PTP

 French
 O / L closed
 O / L open

Elements and Principles of Design

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elements and Principles of Design

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elements and Principles of Design

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elements and principles of design:

Examples of different types of design lines include:

The principle of design:

Proportion can be a comparison of sizes, shapes or the amount of specific design

Critical analysis of the aesthetic and functional features

Example and tips

Aim: To determine the most effective seam to use in my PTP

You might also like