IXD101 ( 30249 ) - Interaction Design Fundamentals. 2022-23
This week, we looked at the importance of building a visual vocabulary. The main components of any designer’s creative language typically comprises of point, line and plane.
Designers build a visual vocabulary to make their ideas more intricate and successful. It is a similar process to that of a person, learning how to communicate in verbal and written form. We develop an understanding of language by becoming literate, starting off with the absolute basics, the ABCs. With this structure, we can also learn the fundamentals of design, point, line and plane.
“Point, line, and plane are the building blocks of design. From these elements, designers create images, icons, textures, patterns, diagrams, animations, and typographic systems.” Ellen Lupton
The starting point of a designers visual vocabulary. Although the smallest building block, point is just as important as line and plane. It can challenge a designers creativity and can bring an aspect of psychology into design.
“Point serves as the focus of something visual, and therefore draws attention. Even if there is only one point, or one mark, on a blank page our brains will make it mean something.” Beaudry Design
Line is an essential part of design. We typically imagine the horizontal placement, but to designers there are many other possibilities. Line can be altered in terms of width, direction, curvature and other modifications. While it is often used as a structure within designs, it is not limited to that as we see below in some examples.
“Lines are the most basic elements of design. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Once you start noticing them, you’ll see grids all around you. Lines have direction; they can be visible or invisible and can help direct the eye to a specific spot.” Laura Keung