Project 2: Form and Composition

Eshita Banerjee
Sep 4, 2018 · 15 min read

For this project, we are required to use solid black squares to illustrate certain words. I plan on using space, size, and number of squares to bring out the meaning of the words. The information we learned about Gestalt’s theory will also be useful in the creation of the thumbnails.

According to Gestalt, the brain simplifies data into holistic patterns. I plan on making the parts connect in a way so that the whole thumbnail displays the word it represents.


Order

When I think of order, the first words I think of are consistency, incrementation, rigidity, and strictness. Specific sequences and patterns would represent order to me.

Image 1 to 5 from left top to right bottom.

In class, I worked on the designs shown above for the word order. For the first one I chose to represent incrementation aspect of order by drawing squares that get larger as you look at them. For the second I was trying to make a pattern to show order but soon realized that the use of white squares is not allowed. For the third design I decided to go for a more simple approach and drew squares in a line to represent order as you look at the squares from left to right. The fourth design is a grid of squares. Grids represent order to me because they are associated with numerical patterns in math. Lastly, I did a design which has squares place in specific areas and filled the entire thumbnail. I think this shows order by showing that everything has a specific location and the squares could not fit perfectly in the big square if any of the contained squares were out of order or in any other location.

Image 1 to 3 from top to bottom.

While reviewing these first thoughts, I decided to go with the following.

I think the first one represents order as it shows squares from left to right incrementing in size. This is a representation of ascending order which is very common.

For the second one, I decided to go with a simple design of order with three identical squares from left to right. The balance and equilibrium also emphasize the order as the squares are in the center of the thumbnail.

For the third sketch, I made a six by six grid of squares. Grids are associated with counting numbers which I relate to the word order.

Image 4 and 5 from top to bottom.

For the fourth sketch, I showed order by increasing the size of the squares from bottom left to right top. For the last sketch, I showed order by drawing four identical squares in the thumbnail. The viewer can see order based on the way they see this sketch (left to right, top to bottom, etc.). The order is based on the interpretation of the viewer.

Tension

When I think of the word tension I immediately relate it suspense or being on edge. Tension is also associated with tightness or rigidity. I think to display tension I will be using the corners of the squares a lot and also balancing.

For the first sketch, I tried to show a lot of tension on the center square. I played with sizing and relativity so as you go outwards or farther from the center the squares increase in size. As the center has the smallest square, it gives an illusion of a lot of tension exerted on the center square and building tension through the squares.

Image 1 to 3 from top to bottom.

For the second sketch, I tried to visualize the definition of tension (to be stretched tight) I played with the size and placement of the squares in relation to one another to show the definition. The squares all have the same center y-axis (they’re on a horizontal line). This makes it look like they are connected even though there is distance between all the squares. As you go towards the center of the thumbnail the squares keep decreasing in size. This gives the illusion that the two sides are being pulled and tension is being exerted on the string of squares.

For the third sketch, I tried to emulate tension in the sense that there is suspense and a disruption in balance. I stacked ‘blocks’ on top of one another in a way that is not possible in reality. I changed the sizes of the squares and alternated randomly between big and small squares. I also tilted some of the squares so the viewer thinks as if the tower of squares is going to fall any minute. There are big squares on small squares and tilted squares in the middle of the tower. As this would not be possible with real blocks, tension is created when seeing this tower.

Image 4 and 5 from top to bottom.

For the fourth sketch, I drew squares in a line and towards the center they squares rise up. This shows tension in the pattern. For the last sketch, the tilted square in the middle of the tower creates a sense of tension.

Congestion

When something is congested, it is accumulated in a small space or excessively accumulated somewhere. To represent congestion, I plan on using with white space to show congestion.

For the first thumbnail, I want to eliminate white space by creating boxes of all different sizes throughout the sketch with minimal space and think lines between the squares. I want there to be almost no white space so I can show that the whole sketch is congested with squares. Some of the squares on the edges will bleed so the viewer thinks there is continuation off of this thumbnail and that this is just a small chuck of a large group of congested squares.

For the second sketch, I want to use spacing and white space to represent congestion in a small area. I want a small corner of the whole thumbnail to have a lot of small squares close to each other. As we go farther from this corner I want the squares to disperse and reduce in quantity. This will represent congestion in one area of the thumbnail. The decrease in squares away from the congested area will further emphasize how congested the one corner is.

For the third sketch, I want to try to display a box which has a lot of blocks thrown into it. To do this, I plan on creating the corners of four big squares around my thumbnail. This will create a white space in the middle in the shape of a diamond. I will then draw a bunch of little squares in this whitespace; some will be tilted and some will be straight. This will create the illusion of these little squares thrown into this diamond. The numerous amount of squares in the center white box will represent congestion in this sketch.

These ideas are implemented below.

Image 1 to 3 from top to bottom.

Sketch number four shows congestion by the use of almost no white space. It also uses continuation as we can tell that the squares are so big that they continue off the thumbnail. Sketch number five shows congestion because it shows that there are such a large amount of squares piled onto one another that there is no space to fit it into the thumbnail.

Image 4 and 5 from top to bottom.

Playfulness

When I think of playfulness I think of a happy, light-hearted, good time with no rules. When I think of this, in terms of design I think of swirls and wavy patterns. Although, squares are very straight and have solid edges, I think placing the squares on a curve can still create the flow and freeness to represent playfulness.

Image 1 to 3 from top to bottom.

For the first sketch, I drew the squares in the shape of a wave. A wave represents free flowing energy which is fun. This creates a playful vibe.

For the second sketch I used depth and drew squares in the shape of a spiral. As you look deeper into the spiral the squares get smaller. The outermost square bleeds off of the sketch. This insinuates that there is continuation on both sides of the spiral. The spiral itself going on forever represents playfulness.

When I think of the world playfulness, I also think of games. The last sketch is inspired by video games. I used squares so the user can imagine any sort of game they want. I used the top of a big square at the bottom to represent ground. I drew other squares above and below to represent danger or power ups. I also drew five squares in an upward wave to represent a player jumping. Although, I sketched it out with this in mind, the viewer can interpret the squares to represent anything which brings out the more playfulness aspect of this piece.

Image 4 and 5 from top to bottom.

Sketch number four is in the shape of a rainbow which is associated with playfulness. Lastly, sketch number five reminds me of playfulness because it shows movement. I tried to create the illusion that the squares are falling from the top of the thumbnail to the bottom where the squares are stacked evenly. This reminds me of Tetris and creates a playful mood.

Comfort

When I think of comfort I think of peaceful and soothing designs as their is ease from pain and constraint. To show comfort and the safety that comes with it I think I will be using equilibrium in my designs. Equilibrium will create balance which enhances the feeling of comfort.

Image 1 to 3 from top to bottom.

For the first sketch, I drew squares in a circular pattern. I used closure because even though these squares do not connect our eyes tend to connect them and see a circle. The circle represents peaceful equilibrium and this comfort.

For the second sketch, I used continuation. I drew squares of different sizes resting on a tilted curve. It is almost like the shape of a hammock. The squares look as if they are resting comfortably on this imaginary curve.

For the last sketch, I chose a more simple approach. I drew a square right in the center of the thumbnail. There is heavy use of whitespace as this sketch is so simple. The clean minimalistic look gives this sketch a comfortable feel.

Image 4 and 5 from top to bottom.

Sketch number four shows comfort because it has three squares right next to one other. This shows fluid movement and continuation. Lastly, the fifth sketch has a box surrounded by smaller boxes. It looks like the big box is cushioned into the small ones which creates a sense of comfort.


September 4, 2018

In Class Review:

Things to Improve:

  • Order Design 4: Increment squares evenly (ex. 1by1, 2by2, 3by3,…etc.), 0.3125 0.5625 1.0625 2.0625
  • Congestion Design 2: Switch it so the top right is very congested and bottom left some squares are trying to escape.
  • Comfort Design 4: This can be confused with order so add some changes.
  • I changed this design from three squares side by side to this pattern that stacks them. I think the balance and how the focal point is at the center emphasizes comfort.

September 6, 2018

Ideas While Working:

  • Congestion Design 3: make a gap at the bottom so the tiles can “fall in”.
  • Comfort Design 1: make the squares tilted so it makes a circle.
  • Comfort Overall: make designs show more comfort (Design 4 and 5) seem more rigid.
These were my design drafts prior to class on September 6th.

In Class Review:

  • Order Best Designs: Design 3 and 4
  • Tension Design 3: Try tilting the blocks not at a perfect angle to make it more wobbly.
Tension Design 3
  • Playful Design 3: Too literal, try to make each square have more meaning.
  • Comfort Design 2: Make the squares align more on the curve like a circle.
Comfort Design 2

September 9, 2018

I added another design for comfort and edited a lot of the old designs.

By Row: Order, Tension, Congestion, Playful, Comfort

September 10, 2018

I went in and fine tuned a lot of my favorite designs. I edited the sizing and spacing of the individual components to make the designs more evenly distributed and clean.

Tension Design 1 and 2: Squares more evenly spaced out.

For these two tension designs they are all perfectly spaced out now and increment in even amounts. Additionally, I added a border around tension design 1 as that adds more tension to the overall design.

Playful Design 2

For this playful design I added a lot more detail. I made sure the squares decrease evenly as you go towards the center. I also added more squares towards the center for detail (all the way to 0.001 inches by 0.001 inches in the center of the spiral). It also gives the illusion of infinity in both directions which emphasizes the playful aspect of this piece.

I plan on recreating this and starting from the center and going outward to make the overall design more centered.

For comfort, I wanted to incorporate more curves and wavy designs so I created this new one. I think the quarter circles create comfortable edges to the design.

September 11, 2018

To streamline the designs for the final day these are they top choices I have currently:

From Top to Bottom: Order, Tension, Congestion, Playful, Comfort

Streamlining:

Order: 4; 5, 3 → I think the Design 5 is too straightforward so I will be choosing from Design 4 or Design 3. I think Design 3 is very straightforward in terms of order so I will go with design 4 as it is more creative and shows order at the same time.

Tension: 2; 6; 5,1 → I think these four designs do a good job of showing tension but in terms of aesthetic I will be choosing from Design 2 or Design 6. Design 2 is from the idea of pulling a rubber band but I think Design 6 is more explicit in terms of showing tension so I will go with Design 6.

Congestion: 2, 5, 1; 3 → Design 1 seems like the most basic design for congestion as there are a lot of black squares so I will be going with one of the more creative designs.

Playful: 2 → I like this design the best in terms of showing playful so I will be working on spacing and centering it.

Comfort: 1;8,3;6 → Although design 3 does a good job of showing comfort it seems too simple. Design 6 is rugged around the edges and is not a perfect circle which reduces the effect of comfort. As the sides of squares are straight lines I will not be going with this design. I will be picking from Design 1 and Design 8.

In Class Review:

Order

Final Design for Order Draft

During my discussion with the TA we concluded that this is a good design to finalize because it is creative and not as basic as other designs for order. It shows creativity and meaning concurrently.

Tension

Final Design for Tension Draft

Congestion

Final Design For Congestion Drafts

From these three designs I talked to my professor and TA to make the final decision. The TA and I discussed how we like the design in the middle because of its use of white space and how it still incorporates congestion at the same time. When I talked to the professor she said the last design conveys congestion really well. We discussed how in the first design if I add more squares to the top right, overlap them, tilt some of them them, and spread it out more to the bottom left then this design has potential to be the final design.

Playful

Final Design for Playful Draft

Comfort

Final Design For Comfort Drafts

While discussing comfort designs with the TA, we concluded that the first design shows comfort really well because of the curves and it is clean and simple at the same time. Later on, the professor told me more about balance and how the second design’s balance and symmetry add to its comfort.

September 12, 2018

Comfort

For comfort I decided to finalize the first design of one perfect circle made of squares. I like how it is centered and balanced. Also the fact that there is more space around the squares but we can still tell it is a circle allows it to feel more clean and comfortable. This one is also symmetric in every direction. I think it really brings out Gestalt’s idea of closure.

Congestion

For congestion I decided to go with the design in the middle as it was the most creative and unique. I thing the use of white space to create a box for the small squares was really interesting. I plan on adding more small squares into this design to show congestion more explicitly. I think that although the first and last design show a very good job of the word congestion they are the first things that people thing of and are a little more common designs. I think the fact that there are a lot of smaller elements into a bigger element that is white space made of 4 surrounding bigger squares allows this design to show congestion in many different ways and perspectives when it is viewed by a person.

Final Designs:

From Left to Right: Order, Tension, Playful, Congestion, Comfort

These are the final five designs. For order I made them proportionally get smaller. Each square gets cut exactly in half from top left to bottom right. For tension I adjusted the squares so the edges are touching the squares around them as little as possible to increase tension. For playful I edited it so the center square is exactly in the center of the art board and the squares all increase in size consistently. I let the spacing be a little random in hopes that it increases the playfulness aspect. For congestion, I added in a lot more squares inside to increase the congestion. For comfort, I made sure the ‘circle’ is centered and that the squares that make it up are evenly spaced around it.

September 13, 2018

I have done all my final touchups and fixed the spacing and design of the last five design choices.

For order, I got a comment on how it is well balanced and conveys order well. I like how the squares increase in a constant order, are placed in a constant order, and are balanced in a creative fashion.

For tension, my comments said that this piece conveys tension and suspense really well as it looks like it could topple over any second. I think this is exactly what I was going for when placing the squares. I wanted to use gravity and place them in a way that would not be possible in real life.

For congestion, my comments were about how people liked the creative use of negative space and how this gets the meaning across in an interesting way. Another comment said it liked how the little squares are literally toppled over. I also was excited to use negative space to convey congestion and am glad my meaning got transferred to other viewers.

For playful, I got comments on how this piece looks very dynamic and interesting. I got another comment that said to add more randomness. I tried to convey randomness by not spacing the squares exactly evenly apart but I will try to play around with this to make it seem more playful.

For comfort, I got comments on how this looks like a loading symbol and how it is peaceful to look at.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I believe that I learned a lot of new skills and approaches on this project that will be useful for me in the future. I used techniques from Gestalt’s lecture such as continuation, closure, negative space, depth effects, balance, and more. This project allowed me to view everyday thing from different perspectives. I received great input on my work through the in class desk critiques and also on the final day.

I loved how on the last day, we cot to see how everyone had a different way to express meaning to the same five words. Initially, I thought everyone would have the same designs for order but it was so interesting to see the different ways people perceived the five words. I loved how everyone used similar skills from Gestalt’s presentation but still came up with such unique designs for each word. I learned a lot about these principles and design through this project.

CDF 2018 Fall

CDF 18F Class Blog

Eshita Banerjee

Written by

CDF 2018 Fall

CDF 18F Class Blog

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