Assignment 2: Composition 1 Intuitive

Gestalt principles are among the fundamental properties of the perceptual system. Providing the basis of our ability to make sense of the sensory signals.

gestalt.example01

In this assignment, you will create 5 pairs of contrasting compositions, as you will interpret the gestalt principles below. Each pair of compositions you will create should compare and contrast with each other. The entire set (the 5 pairs) will be your ‘series,’ which should look and feel like a related body of work. There are many more Gestalt principles, but these are some of the primary principles. Be prepared to explain your work.

Sets (5 pairs):

  • Contrast vs. Harmony
  • Boldness vs. Subtlety
  • Symmetry vs. Asymmetry
  • Proximity vs. Similarity
  • Leveling vs. Sharpening

Rules:

  • Ground will be white
  • Figure will be black
  • White square 8×8 inches
  • Black squares 1×1 increment inches (e.g., 1×2, 1×3, 1×9, etc.)
  • No shapes to extend past the white square. If it extends, it must be cut at the edge of the white background (e.g., the second example on the top).
  • Black squares may be rotated
  • Create balance and interest

Document your process in the course workshop document called, “Workshop01.Comp1” (available in Keynote or PowerPoint). Create and attach a PDF of your Workshop Document 01 Comp1 to your blogpost. Due as a blogpost with a PDF attachment on Thursday Feb 5th 9AM.

In addition to your workshop document, please use the feedback from this week to update your Place and Interpretation Documentation.  Updated version is due as a blogpost with PDF attachment on Thursday Feb 5th 9AM.

Assignment 1: Place Interpretation & Documentation

Due Thursday Jan 29th 9AM

Goal: Learn to capture the essence of a place that relates to your UI Project. Turn your observations into a set of actionable design items.

Take a look at the Process Document #1 (available in Keynote or PowerPoint). Have this document in mind, visit a real place that relates to your final UI design project. (E.g., if your mobile app deals with exercises, visit a gym or a place where people exercise. If your website deals with kids, visit a place with kids.) Document the essence of the place by capturing the followings:

  • 3 adjectives describing the place
  • Overall color palette
  • Describe the place using multiple senses: Sight, Smell, Sound, Taste, Touch
  • Interpret and document the place as though you will never be able to visit there again.

Document your process in the course process document (available in Keynote or PowerPoint). Create and attach a PDF of your Process Document #1 to your blogpost. Due as a blogpost with a PDF attachment on Thursday Jan 29th 9AM.

Hint from Lisa:

“Students should interpret this. Representational, documentation, and metaphor. It is just as it is described a metaphorical representation. These images could be found or taken. A car jumping over a hill, represents a modern theater with dancers mid air. Just be able to explain.” Reference: Metaphors we live by. Book by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980).