Principles of Layout, Graphic, and Visual Message Design Joed V. Reyes | Empowerment Technologies
Objectives • Identify different design and layout principles • Evaluate websites and resources using these principles • Apply these principles to improve your own designs
What is Visual Message Design? It is creating graphics and layouts that communicate a message clearly and effectively. Used in posters, infographics, websites, brochures, and social media.
Importance of Good Design • Attracts attention • Makes information easier to understand • Builds credibility and trust • Supports branding and identity
Visual Hierarchy Organizes elements to guide viewer’s eye. Important content should stand out first.
Infographics A type of visual message design. Combines text, data, and graphics. Used to explain complex information quickly.
Elements of a Good Infographic • Clear title • Relevant data or facts • Simple icons & illustrations • Short text • Consistent color palette • Source or references
10 Tips for Evaluating Design Use proper terms Check C.R.A.P. Consider color choice Find emphasis Analyze typography Review images Know the target group Define clear messages Maximize impact Ask critical questions
1. Use proper words and expressions. When discussing design, it is important to use the right words and expressions that define and describe the visuals. Lines, colors, letters and shapes are called design elements.
2. Search for C.R.A.P. C.R.A.P is a set of basic design principles. Look at design elements and ask yourself these questions: Is there enough contrast between design elements? Do design elements create a certain visual flow supported by the repetition of forms? Are design elements aligned to each other in a clear, readable way? What is the distance between design elements and what type of visual message does it create?
3. Pay attention to colour . Colour is an essential design element that should not be underestimated in any project. Colour choices can entirely change the way of reading a design.
4. Find emphasis. In a design, there is often an element that is much stronger than everything else. It is called an emphasis. If you decide that a particular design element needs attention, simply emphasize it by changing its size, shape or colour .
5. Analyze typography. Typography carries a message about a design. Take a look at typefaces and fonts chosen for a project
6. Take a look at images. If there are photographs, icons or other images used in a design, it is important to analyze them. Do they support the project? Are they properly used and fit the general design aesthetics? How would you estimate their quality? Can you see pixels? Are they used accordingly to the copyright policy? Using well-exposed good quality photographs is probably the best idea.
7. Ask about target group. What is a purpose of the evaluated design? Is it a flyer advertising art classes for kids or a poster inviting for a jazz concert? Maybe it is an informative website about yoga practice or a layout of a cooking blog? The target group is essential and it will determinate the usage of colours , fonts and any other design elements.
8. Define clear messages. Take a look at a visual project, whatever it is, and ask yourself about the message that it conveys. What type of a message is it exactly? Does it support the chosen business, event, or activity? Is it encouraging and entertaining? If the message is misleading, think of a better visual solution for the evaluated design. There is always a space to improve!
9. Maximize impact. Is the design impactful, legible and meaningful? Could an average viewer read and understand it well? Does it stand out and catch your eye? Does it support defined goals and objectives? In the visual communication, things are designed to make impact. What can you improve to make a project stronger?
10. Ask questions. While evaluating a visual project, you should ask questions and make sure that you understand the creative process behind it. It will not be always possible, but using the opportunity of communicating with a designer can give you a chance to give a more constructive feedback. Sharpen your eye and truly study the project – at some point it will become much easier! A trained eye has a capability of analyzing the tiniest and the most subtle relations between design elements to detect what could be improved.
Why Evaluate Designs? • Improve quality of your own work • Avoid cluttered or confusing layouts • Ensure message is clear and effective
CREATE YOUR OWN EVENT POSTER Instruction: Imagine your school is holding a big event. You have been chosen to design a promotional poster for this event. - Include event title, date, time, venue and tagline. - Use appropriate images and choose a harmonious color scheme. - Apply the principles of design