VISUAL DESIGN

Definition of visual design.

Visual design is the usage of several elements such as imagery, colour, shapes, typography and form to improve usability and users’ experience. A successful visual does not distract the users from contents of the page but instead it enhances it by attracting the users, building trust and interest of the users in the brand and bring the brand to life (for business).

Importance of visual design.

1.      Help in delivering messages through visual.

2.      More effective than writing.

3.      Work well for attracting users or students in participating in certain activity.

4.      Help in improving sales by attracting users for online shop.

5.      Attractive visual design will give out more positive first impression to the users or students. For example vibrant colour visual can help the students become more focus in class compared to dull colour visual.

6.      Easier to remember and comprehend compared to wordy slides or speech.

Element of visual design

·         Lines: To make divisions and create textures.

·         Shapes: To create buttons or searching box for example.

·         Colour palette: Are used to differentiate items, create depth, add emphasis, and/or help organize information. Different colours give different psychologically impact.

·         Texture: refers to how a surface feels or is perceived to feel. Can be used to attract or distract attention.

·         Typography: Fonts, size, alignment, colour of word and spacing used.

·         Form: Three - dimensional objects which describes their volume and mass. It may be created by combining two or more shapes. Can be enhanced by putting various tones, textures, and colours.

Principles of visual design.

·         Unity: All of the elements put in a page must be in unity or in other words the overall look of the page does not look odd.

·         Space: Putting space into a design helps reduce noise, increase readability, and make the page looks less crowded.

·         Hierarchy: Portrays the significance of certain items.

·         Balance: Creates the perception that there is equal distribution.

·         Contrast: To give emphasizes on certain item by using different colour, size or font.

·         Scale: Using different or same size to show differences or similarities.

·         Dominance: Make certain item as main focus and others as subordinate.

·         Similarity: Similarity is used on the interface so that users can adapt and learn to use it easily.

Characteristics of a Good Visual Design

· Use of suitable colours.
· Follows the latest trend in visual designing.
· Message content is delivered clearly.
· Help in focusing on the information in the visual.

Mistakes in Visual Design

Overused of text and images

Text and images need to be balanced between the two. Too much usage of text and images will result in difficulties in retaining the information.

Inappropriate use of fonts

Consider which fonts work best on the screen. The type and size of fonts need to be considered as well. Big and simple fonts are preferable as it will be easier for the readers to read. The fonts must also be suitable with the theme and design.

Unmatched graphics

Graphics should not just being used for decorative purposes. It should match with the content on the screen.

Overused of colours

The colours should be suitable with the theme.

Blurred images

The images should be clear and in high definition.

Lack of organization

The content or information should not be all over the place. Consistency between the elements should be maintained. The elements should be coherent and in uniform.