Design Principles- Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
21/2/2026 - 14/3/2026 (week 4 - week 6)
Yang Shumeng, 0378848
Design Principles- Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Instructions2. Process Work3. Ideation4. Reference list
Instructions:
Instructions:
Analysis
This artwork is a strong example of Gestalt Theory, mainly through the use of negative space to create two meanings in one image.
First, the key principle is Figure–Ground. The dark shape can be read as a gun (figure), while the white negative space on the right forms a clear side profile of a human face (ground becoming figure). Because both readings are strong, the viewer’s perception can shift between “gun” and “face,” creating visual tension and a deeper narrative.
Second, the Law of Closure is used effectively. The face is not fully outlined with continuous lines, but the design provides enough cues—such as the nose, lips, and chin—for the viewer’s brain to complete the missing parts and recognise a complete facial profile.
Third, the Law of Simplicity (Prägnanz) supports the message. The artist removes unnecessary detail and relies on clean black-and-white shapes, making the image easy to understand at a glance while still carrying a complex meaning.
By combining these Gestalt principles, the artwork shows how the whole message becomes stronger than the individual shapes, using minimal visual elements to communicate a powerful idea.
Ideation - 3 Inspired Sketches
Rationale:This design uses the hourglass as a symbol of time and life. By placing it inside both the child and the elderly figure, it shows that every person carries their own limited time. The hand-holding gesture represents connection, care, and the passing of life experience between generations.
Rationale:This design shows how dishonesty in speech can affect both the speaker and society. The long nose symbolises lying, inspired by Pinocchio, while the large face in the background suggests that false words become exaggerated and influential. It reflects how public figures can misuse language and shape public perception through deception.
Rationale:This design turns a question mark into two facing human profiles, suggesting dialogue, doubt, and different perspectives. The symbol represents how questions often come from human interaction and misunderstanding. By combining faces with punctuation, the image shows curiosity, communication, and the search for answers in a simple visual form.Reference List
Nielsen Norman Group. (2021, July 18). Principle of closure in visual design.
Wagemans, J., Elder, J. H., Kubovy, M., Palmer, S. E., Peterson, M. A., Singh, M., & von der Heydt, R. (2012). A century of Gestalt psychology in visual perception I: Perceptual grouping and figure-ground organization. Psychological Bulletin, 138(6), 1172–1217.
Wong, W. (1993). Principles of form and design. John Wiley & Sons.
This artwork is a strong example of Gestalt Theory, mainly through the use of negative space to create two meanings in one image.
First, the key principle is Figure–Ground. The dark shape can be read as a gun (figure), while the white negative space on the right forms a clear side profile of a human face (ground becoming figure). Because both readings are strong, the viewer’s perception can shift between “gun” and “face,” creating visual tension and a deeper narrative.
Second, the Law of Closure is used effectively. The face is not fully outlined with continuous lines, but the design provides enough cues—such as the nose, lips, and chin—for the viewer’s brain to complete the missing parts and recognise a complete facial profile.
Third, the Law of Simplicity (Prägnanz) supports the message. The artist removes unnecessary detail and relies on clean black-and-white shapes, making the image easy to understand at a glance while still carrying a complex meaning.
By combining these Gestalt principles, the artwork shows how the whole message becomes stronger than the individual shapes, using minimal visual elements to communicate a powerful idea.
Rationale:This design uses the hourglass as a symbol of time and life. By placing it inside both the child and the elderly figure, it shows that every person carries their own limited time. The hand-holding gesture represents connection, care, and the passing of life experience between generations.
Rationale:This design turns a question mark into two facing human profiles, suggesting dialogue, doubt, and different perspectives. The symbol represents how questions often come from human interaction and misunderstanding. By combining faces with punctuation, the image shows curiosity, communication, and the search for answers in a simple visual form.
Reference List
Nielsen Norman Group. (2021, July 18). Principle of closure in visual design.
Wagemans, J., Elder, J. H., Kubovy, M., Palmer, S. E., Peterson, M. A., Singh, M., & von der Heydt, R. (2012). A century of Gestalt psychology in visual perception I: Perceptual grouping and figure-ground organization. Psychological Bulletin, 138(6), 1172–1217.
Wong, W. (1993). Principles of form and design. John Wiley & Sons.
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