Fundamentals of Design

Design is not only an aesthetic expression but also an intellectual process. In this course, we will deeply explore the fundamental elements and principles that form the building blocks of design. Our goal is to enhance students' abstract thinking skills while equipping them with the necessary knowledge and abilities to create visually and conceptually strong designs.

Starting with key design components such as point, line, color, texture, and volume, we will gradually delve into the more comprehensive dimensions of design by examining their combinations and interactions. Understanding how each design element plays a crucial role in shaping space and form will strengthen students' design language and aesthetic perception, increasing their awareness of visual integrity and meaning-making. Through studio-based applications, we will merge theory and practice, bringing design thinking principles to life.

1. Point and Line

Point

The point is the most fundamental unit of design and serves as the starting element for all graphic compositions. In visual design, a point can convey meaning and create a focal point. Its size, density, and placement directly influence the perception of the composition. A collection of points can form a line or a surface, making the creative use of points especially valuable in minimalist and abstract works.

Line

A line emerges when a point moves, making it one of the most powerful tools in design. Lines guide the viewer’s eye and influence the perception of movement and direction. Straight lines convey stability and order, while curved lines create a sense of dynamism and fluidity. Dashed lines, on the other hand, introduce an element of rhythm or discontinuity. Lines can define the boundaries of an object or demarcate an area, playing a crucial role in spatial perception, composition structuring, and movement depiction.

2. Plane and Abstraction

Plane

A plane represents a two-dimensional surface in design. It is a fundamental building block of visual composition, capable of being used at different angles and scales to create direction and balance. The relationship between planes affects the depth and volume of a design. Every variation in a plane’s shape or orientation alters the overall perception of the composition, making planes essential in structuring visual narratives.

Abstraction

Abstraction involves simplifying real-world objects or forms into their essential components. This process allows complex visuals or objects to be reduced to their core elements, opening up opportunities for more creative and conceptual interpretations. Abstract compositions—often formed using geometric shapes—enhance the expressive depth of a design, offering new perspectives and meanings.

3. Texture and Color

Texture

Texture defines the visual and tactile characteristics of a surface. Whether rough, smooth, soft, or hard, texture directly influences how a viewer perceives space. In design, texture adds depth and richness to surfaces, contributing to both aesthetic and functional layers of meaning. It is an essential aspect in both realistic and abstract designs, shaping the overall experience of the composition.

Color

Color is a key factor in determining the emotional and psychological impact of a design. Color theory explores the relationships between colors and their effects on viewers. Colors can be used to create aesthetic harmony or strong contrasts for visual emphasis. Additionally, color contributes to depth perception, spatial warmth, and visual focal points within a composition. Scale exercises help balance color distribution within a design, ensuring coherence and effective communication.

4. Volume and Perspective

Volume

Volume refers to the three-dimensional aspect of design and the way objects occupy space. It is crucial for shaping spatial perception and defining the physical presence of a design. Increasing the volume of an object or surface enhances its visual weight and prominence, playing a significant role in managing composition balance and interaction within a space.

Perspective Drawings

Perspective is the key to creating a sense of depth, distance, and spatial arrangement in design. Axonometric drawings (isometric, dimetric, and trimetric) are used to depict three-dimensional space from different viewpoints. These techniques allow for more accurate and meaningful representations of a design, bridging the relationships between plan, section, and elevation drawings.

5. Principles of Composition

Harmony and Contrast

In design, harmony defines the relationships between elements and ensures visual coherence, while contrast introduces tension by juxtaposing opposing elements. A well-balanced combination of harmony and contrast generates visual rhythm and engagement, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition.

Balance, Symmetry, and Asymmetry

Visual balance is achieved by distributing design elements in a structured manner, directing the viewer’s focus. Symmetrical arrangements typically convey stability and calmness, whereas asymmetrical compositions introduce dynamic and energetic visual interest. The choice between these approaches significantly influences the overall aesthetic of a design.

Repetition and Emphasis

Repetition in design creates rhythm and consistency by systematically using certain elements. This contributes to a structured and easily comprehensible composition. Meanwhile, emphasis highlights specific elements to establish focal points, directing the viewer’s attention to key areas within the design.

Proportion

Proportion refers to the size relationships between different components of a design. It is a fundamental principle affecting the overall aesthetic experience, as well-balanced proportions enhance the coherence and natural appeal of a composition. Properly managed proportions ensure a visually engaging and structurally sound design.

Conclusion

This course aims to provide a deep understanding of design’s fundamental elements and principles while fostering abstract thinking and a structured approach to visual composition. Through hands-on exercises focusing on point, line, plane, texture, color, volume, and perspective, students will develop their ability to construct meaningful and cohesive visual compositions.

Throughout the process, students will reinforce their theoretical knowledge with practical applications, gaining the ability to use design fundamentals creatively and intentionally. By exploring design principles such as balance, contrast, rhythm, and emphasis, they will enhance their capacity to produce original and effective compositions.

By the end of this course, students will not only be proficient in creating two- and three-dimensional designs but also develop an analytical and critical perspective toward design processes. With their newfound awareness, they will be able to make informed decisions, generate creative and functional solutions, and approach design with both technical expertise and artistic sensitivity.