Design Principles / Task 03

 Name : Moo Renee

Student ID : 0359595
Course : Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design (Honors)
Timeline : Week 06 - Week 08

Table Of Content 

1. Instruction 
2. Assignment Process
3. Final Outcome
4. Lecture Feedback  
5. Assignment Reflection 

1.  Instruction 

1.1 MIB / Modula information booklet (pdf)

Figure 1.1 MIB (pdf)

1. 2 Assignment Brief

In this task, we are required to further develop the design ideas proposed in Task 2 while applying the design principles learned in this module. One of the three ideas from Task 2 must be selected and refined through color exploration, composition, typeface, positioning, and other visual elements while considering appropriate design principles.

After refining the concept, the idea should be finalized and given a suitable title. The final design must be created in :

• A4 size
• JPEG format 
• 300 dpi

and uploaded to the blog with a caption written as Title of Design_Full Name_Task 3.

A 200-word rationale should also be included to explain the design decisions made, the meaning or purpose of the design, and the design principles applied. Lastly, feedback received from the lecturer should be included at the end of the Task 3 blogpost.

2. Assignment Design Process

Figure 2.1 Selected Sketch (Sketch 4): Flow of the Deep

In Task 2, I selected Sketch 4 as my final design concept. The main idea was to use the shape of a fingerprint as a visual metaphor for the ocean. The lines of the fingerprint would intertwine with fish and flowing lines to evoke a sense of movement and the natural rhythm of the sea. This pattern was inspired by the selected design (Task 01 and 02), where repetition and flow play a key role in creating visual harmony. 

 

2.2 & 2.3 Refining Sketches with Color Testing

I began refining the sketch by exploring different details and experimenting with color. Initially, I drew the fish and flowing lines together to form the basic structure of the fingerprint. Each element (fish, lines, and fingerprint layers) was created on separate layers, allowing for greater flexibility in adjusting composition and movement.

The swirling motion of the lines was inspired by a vortex-like pattern , enhancing the dynamic movement of the design.

Figures 2.4 & 2.5 Layering Fish and Lines

By working on separate layers for the fish and the lines, I could control the depth and movement within the fingerprint pattern. This also allowed me to experiment with how the fish interact with the lines, creating a more natural flow and rhythm.

Figure 2.6 Combining Layers

Once the layers were finalized, I combined them to see the full composition. This step helped me evaluate overall balance and movement before moving on to color adjustments.

 

Figure 2.7 Inverting Colors

The next step was to change the drawing from black to white. This inversion emphasized the lines and made it easier to visualize the composition against a background.

Figures 2.8 & 2.9 Adding Background and Adjusting Scale

I realized the fingerprint was initially too small, so I enlarged it for better impact. I then added a gradient background (dark to light) to create depth and enhance the illusion of an underwater scene. This step helped the main design stand out more prominently.

Figure 2.10 Adding Background Patterns

To fill empty areas and strengthen the sense of movement and rhythm, I added additional lines and patterns in the background to simulate water waves. This repetition reinforces the overall flow and harmony of the design. 

Figure 2.11 Smoothing Edges

The edges of the fingerprint initially felt too harsh, so I applied a soft gradient to the edges, creating a smoother transition between the fingerprint and the background. This adjustment improved the visual cohesion and overall aesthetic.

Figure 2.12 Adding Color for Contrast and Emphasis

Finally, I added color to the central fish to create contrast and emphasis. This step tested how color could highlight key elements while maintaining harmony within the composition. The result brings focus to the main subject while preserving the movement and rhythm of the overall design.

Figure 2.13 & 2.14 Design Refinement (Before & After)

After adding color for contrast, I continued refining the overall design. At this stage, I adjusted several fish shapes and positions to improve the composition and ensure the movement of the fingerprint pattern remained smooth and balanced. Minor adjustments were made to the lines and fish placement so that they blend more naturally with the fingerprint flow.

Figure 2.14 Fish Refinement and Color Comparison(3 type)

I then focused on refining the central fish, adding more details to make it stand out as the focal point of the design. The shape and features of the fish were enhanced so that it appears clearer and more visually engaging compared to the surrounding fish.

In addition, I tested three different color variations, ranging from light to dark, to determine which option created the strongest contrast and emphasis while still maintaining harmony with the background. This comparison allowed me to evaluate how each color interacts with the gradient background and the fingerprint pattern.

figure 2.15 Final Selected Fish Color

After comparing the three color options, I selected the darker color variation because it stands out more strongly against the background. This darker tone helps emphasize the central fish and makes it more noticeable as the focal point of the composition.

Figure 2.16 & 2.17 Contrast Size Adjustment (Before and After)

To further enhance the contrast and visual emphasis, I made additional refinements to the composition. I noticed that the central fish appeared too small compared to the surrounding elements. Instead of enlarging the central fish directly, I reduced the size of the surrounding fish.

This adjustment helped make the central fish appear larger and more prominent while maintaining the overall balance and proportion of the design. As a result, the focal point becomes clearer and the contrast within the composition is stronger.

3. Final Outcome

Figure 3.1 Flow of the Deep_MOO RENEE_Task 3 (Final Design JPEG)

Figure 3.2 Flow of the Deep_MOO RENEE_Task 3 (Final Design PDF)

Design Principles Used: Movement, Contrast, Repetition, and Emphasis.

3.1 Rationale

This design is transforming the shape of a fingerprint into an ocean scene to represent the relationship between humans and marine life. The decision to use a fingerprint was made because it represents human identity and responsibility. By shaping the fingerprint lines using fish and flowing patterns, the design shows that the ocean and its living creatures are closely connected to human actions. This concept communicates that protecting marine life and the ocean is within human responsibility.

Several visual decisions were made to strengthen this idea. The fingerprint pattern was created using repeated fish shapes and curved lines to mimic the natural flow of ocean currents and underwater movement. A blue gradient background was chosen to represent the depth of the sea and to create a calm underwater atmosphere. The central fish is highlighted with a bright orange color so that it clearly stands out from the surrounding white fish. This helps draw the viewer’s attention toward the focal point of the design.

Different design principles were applied to create a strong and balanced composition. Repetition can be seen in the repeated fish shapes forming the fingerprint lines. Movement and rhythm are created by the swirling pattern that guides the viewer’s eye toward the center. Contrast and emphasis are achieved through the bright orange fish against the blue background, while balance and unity are maintained through the consistent shapes, colors, and flowing composition.

4. Lecture Feedback  

Week 06 (10/03/26)

• This week, I showed my in-progress design to the lecturer. The lecturer suggested that the design is good so far, but it still needs some refinement.

Week 07 (17/03/26)

5. Assignment Reflection 

In this assignment, to further developed my sketch into a final design. Throughout the process, I constantly thought about how to apply different design principles and how to use the selected reference design as inspiration. This helped me understand how design principles can guide the development of a visual composition.

During the creation process, I experimented with different arrangements, colors, and patterns to see how movement, repetition, contrast, and balance could be applied effectively. The refinement stage was especially important because it allowed me to examine the design more carefully and identify areas that needed improvement.

For example, the contrast of the central fish was not strong enough at the beginning because it appeared too small and did not stand out clearly. After reviewing the design, I refined it by using a darker color for the central fish and making the surrounding fish slightly smaller. This adjustment helped improve the contrast and made the focal point more noticeable.

Overall, this assignment helped me gain a better understanding of how design principles can be applied and refined to create a stronger and more effective visual design.