Visual Hierarchy

The tip I found most helpful was the "squint test", which came from the second reading, about half way down the page. The test is to simply squint and note which design element catches your attention first, as well as how everything else follows. With that knowledge you can place your information accordingly in order of importance.

Although it was about web design, I found the first reading the most helpful. Because we view web pages more often then printed documents these days, it is much easier for us to understand using web pages as examples. I liked that the example for white space was not literally white space, emphasizing that the term means something closer to unfilled space.

I feel that alignment will be one of the principles I pay most attention to. It's more than just left, right or center. When working with multiple sections of text each individual sections alignment as well as the alignment of the piece as a whole can make a huge impact with the littlest changes.

One thing that bothered me was that the readings didn't practice what they preach. How am I supposed to trust the information when its presentation contradicts its content? I find that great motivation to produce quality, well thought out design in every situation I find myself in.

Design Brief 3

I am excited to move on and learn new software and techniques through creating a flyer. And, as always, I am excited to see all the different interpretations that the class creates.

One thing I am nervous about is finding photos to use for the flyer. I'm nervous that I'll have a great idea in my head of a photo that I cannot find online or produce myself. I am also worried that my photo might lose some of its persuasive power when converted from color to black and white.

Designing for multiple contexts/audiences is always a challenge as well.

10/4/11- Designing Forms Readings

I found the first reading, Visual Communication for Forms Design, to be the most helpful of the articles I read and the bulk of the information in this response will come from there. I found it really helpful that the ideas weren't just listed, but followed up with an explanation of why the idea works. It was thorough without being boring- a very well thought out piece.

One very helpful section was How We Identify Letters and Words. This explained a little about how our brains read and recognize letters and words as well as design tips that help us design accordingly. For example we learn that writing in all caps messes with the our ability to recognize outlines, which is an essential part of reading and comprehending.

The following section, How We Read, shares similar ideas, but on the paragraph level. We learn that too big of leading can confuse us when moving from line to line, and the "Alphabet and a Half" theory which states that "that a line of type should be no shorter than one alphabet (twenty six characters), and no longer than two and one-half alphabets (sixty five characters)."

Finally, the article discusses caption styles for forms. Everyone will agree, the one thing that turns an easy form to a pain in the ass is when the space where you are supposed to fill in your answers is unclear. The pros and cons of a couple different options are discussed.

Psychology and Design may not be traditionally linked, but and understanding of both can really give you an edge. It is one of those things that initially surprises you a bit, but after a second though makes perfect sense.