Thursday 29 March 2018

Current Graphic Design Practices

  1. Power of typography.The typography used should emphasise the text and highlight the most important ideas and concepts. Using creative fonts can bring the subject matter to life and increase learner comprehension, but only if it is legible and used in moderation. Consider not using more than two typefaces. Including a wide range of typefaces will only clutter the design, rather than adding to its visual appeal. Make sure the type is kept the size fitting to the body of the text. Headers and sub-headers can be slightly larger to capture attention. Use typefaces that are legible in context. For example, an Arial font is more mobile-friendly than a more elegant font that may not be as legible on a smaller screen.
  2. Use colour with caution.Colour has the rare ability to evoke certain emotions and make the reader feel more connected to the subject matter. It is essential to use colour with caution to achieve the desired effect. For instance, if you want to relax your learners before an important exam you would opt for blue instead of red to calm their nerves. Perhaps consider sticking with a colour scheme that involves 2 to 3 colours, any more than that and design can start to look chaotic. In addition, if you are using coloured fonts, try to stick with the same shade for the body text all throughout. Choosing one colour for the headers and another for the sub-headers can help them standout. Last, opt for colours that contrast. For example, you can use a more subdued colour, like soft yellow, and pair it with a dark blue to add depth to design.
  3. Successful layout.Though the layout may not be one of the design elements that immediately stands out, it does have a direct impact upon knowledge comprehension and retention. A viewer's eye is naturally going to scan the page from top to bottom and left to right. Therefore, you should place the most important information, such as the key elements near the top and the right-hand side. Placing similar objects or concepts next to one another to emphasise a connection. Using different colours can highlight each group. Important information should never be hidden on the page. Drawing the viewer's eye to the key concepts or ideas can make them the focal point of a design.  
  4. Opt for cohesiveness over clutter when choosing visuals.Visuals, such as image, icons, and graphics, boost engagement and make the design more dynamic and exciting. They can also help to illustrate the most important subject matter. When integrating visuals into design, you should always use high quality images. In addition, the images you chosen should relate to the subject matter. If they are only there for their aesthetic value and don’t serve objectives, then it’s best to just omit them entirely. 
  5. Leave Negative Space.
    Not every square inch of the page needs to be filled with graphics, text, and buttons. In fact, leaving some white space can actually prevent cognitive overload and improve the visual appeal. When you leave blank space around text or graphic elements a viewer's eye will automatically drift to the information they need to retain. White space works as a frame that draws their attention to the key pieces of knowledge.
  6. Know your audience.Every element should cater to the needs of an audience. There should be a keen understanding of who you are designing for. Every image, block of text, and colour you choose for design must benefit the audience. Helping to acquire the information, or else it doesn’t hold a place in design layout.

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