ITD Project 1- Getting To Know Elements & Principles of Design

The first project of Introduction to Design was divided into 2 parts. 

PROJECT 1A

In the first part, we were required to capture elements observed in nature and built environment through our site visit at Tanjung Bidara Beach and Malacca town. We had to sketch our findings and interpret the design elements involved on art block papers. The intended outcome of this part of the project is to identify and recognize apparent and concealed design components in nature and built environments.

Specifically, our task was to create 10 small sketches, each with a specific theme such as lines in nature, form in nature and texture in built environment. Lastly, an abstract art inspired by the elements in the sketch should be produced. 

These are some of the photos captured during site visit for my sketches.

Here are my final outcome.

Pattern on a leaf vein, rough texture on a rock, lines on a window… I have observed many small components in nature and built environments. In the end, I realized that sketching out the real uniqueness of something is not easy. We have to truly delve into the details so that we know which drawing techniques are suitable to be applied in our sketches.

PROJECT 1B

In the second part of this project (1B), in groups we were given a task to create nine artwork using given daily materials to apply design principles, concepts and our ideas. The intended outcome of this part of the project is to form a comprehensive understanding of basic principles, elements and design process at an appropriate level.

My group members:

Chan Jia Xin

Chong Ke Qun

Tan Sheau Hui

Yee Zhen Li

Our given object was wire plastic twist. We decided to use plastic mesh as the base as wire plastic twist could be easily turned and twisted around the holes of plastic mesh. It could be a grid to guide the making of our artwork too. During tutorial sessions with Ms Anna, we learned not only about applying design principles into our artwork but also to make the nine artworks as a whole. Below are our progress.

Trying to understand the nature of wire plastic twist

Sketching out the possible technique

Getting ideas and composition

 Starting to weave using our drawn grid and template

Presentation boards making

Final outcome!

TGC capabilities learned:

 Discipline Specific Knowledge

After all the processes and works, I have learned not only about the theories but also to apply design elements and principles into my design projects including the sketches and 2D artworks.

 Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

Design is not just about putting everything together. It is about the critical thinking and problem solving so that all the artworks could be seen as a whole and there must be a key feature or component to connect every element together so as to produce a balanced composition in between.

 Communication Skills

To present our work, there are many ways we could do instead of verbal communication. In this project, I learned to explain or communicate my ideas, concepts and design inspiration to the viewers by using diagrams, charts and images. They are a lot more easier and clearer to describe our design work.