Since I was little, design has always intrigued me, but I did not realize how complex it could be until I tried it. When I started creating and exploring design, I thought it was about making things look bold and eye-catching. I remember the first time I tried designing an event poster. I threw in every color I liked, used five different fonts, and added so many images that it looked more like a scrapbook than a poster. While I thought it was a masterpiece, my friends gently pointed out that it was overwhelming, and the main message got lost in the chaos. That experience taught me an important lesson. I understood that less is often more and it made me realize I needed to learn more about design and encouraged me to explore it further. I had not explored this topic in depth until now, but through this class, I have learned much and gained a clearer understanding of effective design. In this post, I want to share the basic design principles that are crucial for capturing an audience's attention and keeping them engaged.
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Layout and Composition
As stated by LearnFree (2016), "Layout and composition are the foundation of any design.” They refer to how you arrange elements on a piece of work, whether text, images, or other media. A well-structured layout ensures that content is easy to navigate and that the viewer's eyes are guided to the most important information. I think of it as creating a roadmap for the audience. People might get lost or lose interest if the layout is chaotic or unbalanced. One of the key takeaways I have learned is that a minimalist approach often works best because focusing on simplicity allows key elements to stand out.
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Typography
Typography is everywhere we look, from books and websites to signs. As LearnFree (2016) discussed, typography is about the text's style, arrangement, and appearance. It is more than just picking a font; it is about ensuring readability and setting the tone of your content. For instance, serif fonts give a classic or formal vibe, while sans-serif fonts often feel more modern and cleaner. Consistency in typography is also essential to maintain a cohesive look. I have learned that sticking to two or three fonts in a project usually works best. Overdoing it with too many fonts can make the design look disjointed and unprofessional.
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Color Theory
This is the part I enjoyed learning the most from. Color theory is the science and art of using color. It helps you create aesthetically pleasing designs and can influence how an audience feels about content. Colors evoke emotions, and choosing the right palette is essential for creating the desired mood. For example, blue often conveys trust and calmness, while red can evoke excitement or urgency. A good rule is to use a limited color palette to maintain harmony. I was excited to learn that there are more advanced color combinations from the video posted by LearnFree (2016). I was not familiar with split-complementary, triadic, and tetradic schemes. While I already knew about monochromatic, complementary, and analogous color schemes, discovering these additional options opened up new possibilities for creating more dynamic and engaging designs. I have also realized that a minimalist color scheme is often more potent than a rainbow of shades.
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Images
Images are a powerful tool in design because they can convey messages quickly and effectively. However, not all images are created equal. Images' quality, relevance, and placement can make or break a design. High-quality images that align with a message can enhance content, while poor-quality or irrelevant images can distract or confuse the audience. It is better to use a few effective images rather than cluttering the design with visuals that do not add value. As someone who updates my department's website and training events, I know how crucial it is to select engaging pictures that match the training topic. With these principles in mind, I now approach these updates more critically.
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Audio
In the digital world, audio can be engaging when used correctly. Whether it is background music, sound effects, or voiceovers, audio can boost the overall experience of content. However, like with all design elements, balance is critical. Overloading content with too much sound can be off-putting, especially if it is distracting or does not align with the message. The video pu"10 Easy Sound Recording Tips” provides excellent tips on how to record audio:
1. Silence everything you do not want your mic to record.
2. Put your mobile phone in airplane mode.
3. Minimize echo.
4. Block wind from reaching your mic.
5. Upgrade your mic.
6. Adjust your levels.
7. Start with a sound cue if you're planning to do some syncing in post.
8. Get close to the sound.
9. Automated Dialogue Replacement.
10. Record Ambient Sound.
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Video
Video is a powerful medium that can boost the effectiveness of a message, especially in today's digital world. One of the best videos I have watched is the one posted by GRUMO (2020), which taught me how to record a great online lecture and make talking head videos look professional. Although the video was intended for online classes, I found that the principles apply to other situations as well, as it is crucial to understand the impact of the image we project in a video. The presenter provided a checklist to ensure that your lectures are recorded correctly. I liked how the video included examples of what a good video should look like, perfectly matching the checklist.
Animation
Animation brings elements to life and can make content more interactive and engaging. However, it is essential not to overdo it. Too much animation can be distracting and slow down the content. Simple, smooth animations can be very effective. I was excited to learn that you can create impressive animations using PowerPoint, something I wish I had known sooner. The video posted by Emmanuel Crown (2020) taught me how to integrate animations and sounds into presentations effectively. As he mentioned, even if we do not create animated videos, we can use these new techniques to improve designs and presentations, adding a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the viewer. Thoughtful use of animations can improve a presentation and keep your audience interested.
Lessons from Creating My Logo
Working on my logo for this class was one of my most challenging and rewarding design journey experiences. At first, I thought it would be as simple as putting a few elements together, but I realized that a logo is about much more than combining shapes and colors. It is about conveying a message and creating a visual identity that represents who you are. I created many different versions of my logo, but none truly captured what I wanted. This process taught me the importance of adjusting and revising designs until they effectively convey the intended message.
My logo reflects my goal of inspiring, innovating, and empowering through educational technology. At the top, the phrase in uppercase letters highlights these core values, aspiring to motivate learners, encourage creativity, and guide them toward success. The bottom phrase shows my commitment to meaningfully impacting students' education, showing that each lesson and interaction contributes to a brighter future. Featuring my name shows that I am the driving force behind this effort. The tech-inspired font, with its modern, circuit-like design, emphasizes my connection to technology in education. Purple, blue, and white colors represent creativity, trust, and clarity, giving the logo a professional and cohesive look. The circular shape and the lines represent the link between technology and education, suggesting inclusivity and a broad impact. I used Canva to develop my logo, experimenting with different ideas and learning about balance and visual order. This process taught me how crucial it is to have a balanced design where every element supports the overall message.
Embracing Different Creative Approaches
It is important to recognize that some people might find design comes naturally, while others may face more challenges. However, learning and applying design principles can bridge this gap. Utilizing these principles allows anyone to create effective and visually appealing work. Success in design comes down to practicing and applying the proper techniques to bring your vision to life.
Conclusion
As I continue to improve my design skills, mastering these principles is a journey. Updating my department's website and working on my logo has shown me that countless programs and tools offer different features and possibilities. It was initially overwhelming, but with practice, I am learning how to create better, more detailed, and engaging projects. The journey of design is never-ending, but with each project, I am getting closer to mastering it.
References
Crown, E. (2020, October 11). How to create animated videos with PowerPoint | Beginners Guide [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoyE48W3RUY
Filmora.io. (2018, May 13). 10 easy sound recording tips: How to record audio for YouTube videos [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/t9OQUfLsbUw?si=Ocmi0LQNYXP0Jrde
GRUMO. (2020, April 28). How to record GREAT Video Lectures (39 Tips). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPvFAPWUGHQ
LearnFree. (2016, August 10). Beginning Graphic Design: Typography [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sByzHoiYFX0
LearnFree. (2016, October 5). Beginning Graphic Design: Color [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2LLXnUdUIc
LearnFree. (2016, November 22). Beginning graphic design: Layout & composition [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5KYlHNKQB8
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