After reading pages 18 through 25 of Visual Grammar by Christian Leborg, I found that the explanation of abstract structures was very easy to follow. Basically, in any structure that is made up of a pattern we can easily describe them, but in abstract structures we are unable to do this. Formal structures are easier to set a measured layout for, but that layout results in a much more uniform composition. I think that is the beauty with anything abstract; it has an organic quality to it that cannot be matched.
As for chapter three of Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design: Understanding Form and Function by John Bowers, I found this to be a more technical look at design. one of the first elements discussed is something called Gestalt, which is a branch of psychology that examines the way our brain compiles imagery into one meaningful piece. When I first started reading about this I thought about how complicated the human brain really is. We are constantly tracking and interpreting the world around us. it’s like we have a million tabs open on a web browser each performing a particular task. Unknowingly when we look at a given image we are noticing different forms taking place. These forms include, closure, continuance, proximity, and similarity. It is in our nature to immediately note these interactions.
Relating back to chapter two, Bowers goes on to talk about semiotics. These visual concepts make communication efficient and effective for viewers. Three elements to keep in mind when designing them are: Syntactic, referring to all forms present in a composition, semantic, referring to the relationship between form and it’s meaning, and pragmatic, which is the relationship between a form and its user. Taking this into consideration can truly bring any semiotic to its full potential for peak effectiveness for the viewer.
Previously mentioned, our brains are like tabs open in an internet browser. We are constantly scanning and internalizing the things we see. One of the ways to help minimize our efforts in decoding information is through organization. It is helpful to have messages as clear as possible when it comes to informative images, such as a map for instance. The way we can do this is through alphabetization, categories, continuums, locations, and time. Although basic, it is imperative that designers use these ways of organization to better their design.
Before any designing should take place however, it is important to have a strategy set in place. This is where we have to make an effective plan for the best end result. As a designer it is our job to look into every aspect that defines what the piece is for, who it needs to communicate to, and how, Not only that, but physical aspects as well. For example where the piece is going. Is it going on a billboard or in a magazine? This is why a plan of attack is crucial before starting anything.
Another reason having a strategy is so important is because one of the things designers spend most of their time doing for the world is solving problems. To be an efficient problem solver one must do the following four items: Learn, identify, generate, and implement. One of the reasons I have always been so drawn to design is because I like to solve puzzles. And a good designer is able to solve those puzzles in a manner that looks effortless. Take a cheap, modern invention such as a pop-socket for example. essentially, it’s a round piece of plastic with an accordion style open and close mechanism to help people hold onto their giant smart phones easier. However, not only do they solve a simple problem, they have also become a trendy and fashionable accessory. That is genius design.
Here is a small sketch of all the components of a pop-socket as I mentioned earlier. Before something is created in a physical form, there has to be an organized plan or how the object is going to look and all the pieces involved to make that thing work.
PopSockets wins General Exclusion Order Against Infringing Grips at ITC
This colorful piece of art is an example of abstract structures. Although unified by the types of shapes created within it, there are no two that are exactly the same and therefore cannot be measured. It is an organic pattern.
Abstract Pattern Special New Arrival Diy 5d Diamond Painting Set UK VM20203
I found this design to be very effective in that it communicates the exact word that it is. Each letter shows the different parts of the psychology branch gestalt. I wanted to include this because I find it helpful to see each aspect displayed next to one another.
https://medium.muz.li/gestalt-principles-in-ui-design-6b75a41e9965
Book Credit:
Leborg, Christian. Visual Grammar. Princeton Architectural Press, 2006.
Bowers, John. Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design Understanding Form and Function. John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
Haley Locke 