Value and Illusion of Space

Value
Value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a surface. 

Relative is an important qualification here because the lightness or darkness of a shape is largely determined by its surroundings.

Contrast
The amount of difference in value from one shape to another.

High contrast tends to increase clarity and improve readability.
Low contrast tends to put objects in secondary or sub-dominant levels of importance, or used when the message is subtle.

 

 

Value Distribution - the proportional arrangement of lights and darks within a composition can affect the emotional impact.

  

 

Value and Volume - Using a full range of values within a shape can make a two-dimensional shape object to be three-dimensional.

 

 

Value and Space - Dark, crisp shapes tend to advance spatially within a composition from lighter, softer shapes. This is also called atmospheric perspective.

 

Value and Lighting - Designers can influence the emotional reaction to objects by manipulating the value of an object from different lighting techniques.

 

 

 

  

Illusion of Space
Linear Perspective
A mathematical system for projecting the apparent dimensions of a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional surface called the picture plane. 

• Objects appear to diminish in size as they recede
• The point at which the objects disappear is called the vanishing point
• in basic one- and two-point perspective, the vanishing point is at the eye level or horizon line.
  

One-Point Perspective
When lines recede into space and converge at a single point on the horizon line.

Two-Point Perspective
When lines recede into space and converge at two points on the horizon line.

Three-Point Perspective
When lines recede into space and converge at two points on the horizon line, and vertical lines converge above or below eye level.

Other ways to Create Illusion of Space

Overlap - objects that cover other objects

Size Variation - larger objects appear closer.

Definition -  Darker, sharper objects appear closer when combined with softer lighter objects (atmospheric perspective).

Line and Rhythm

Line
Lines add structure, movement, and cohesion to all forms of two-dimensional designs.

• Used to define, enclose, connect or dissect.
• show direction
• add emphasis
• convey emotion (gestural)

 

Line Quality

Actual Lines

• Contour lines - define inner and outer edges of an object
• Calligraphic lines - highly expressive, calligraphy
• Organizational lines - structural, informational

Implied Lines

Repetition of visual elements that suggest connection--works because we natually seek unity.

Linear Networks

Multiple lines create value and texture and illusion of space.

Rhythm

Rhythm is a pattern created by repeating elements that are varied. Rhythm allows your designs to develop an internal consistency that makes it easier for the viewer to understand. 

• Once the brain recognizes the pattern in the rhythm it can understand the whole design.

Repetition (repeating similar elements in a consistent manner) and variation (a change in the form, size, or position of the elements) are the keys to visual rhythm. 

Repetition of visual imagery, headline, specific placement on the page, color, imparts a sense of organization that brings a composition together and helps the viewer comprehend the information.

Effective application of rhythm.  

• Spacing
• Location
• Size
• Value/Color 

Effective design has visual elements paced and patterned, combined with variety at non-specific intervals to create emphasis and hierarchy within the composition.