Steeldolphin
04-09-2002, 06:40 PM
For more info on CRAP look at getting some books by Robin Williams such as Design Workshop
Here is some design CRAP. Well it isn’t crap in the truest sense of the word, but an acronym used in design. CRAP stands for Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. These four things are points a designer should be aware of when creating that award winning annual report, or even that single page black and white flyer.
Contrast: Contrast can be use effectively to emphasize one subject in a design. Making a certain word bold, compared to the rest will set it aside from the rest. Contrast can also be applied to size. Varying the size of items on a page can also cause the viewer’s eye to be directed how you want.
Repetition: Some forms of repetition help to lead the eye, or set a nice even an orderly set of elements. Repetition of some elements over others can also set them apart from the rest.
Alignment: Can bring order and neatness to a page, and the complete lack of alignment can also cause a tension that may be desired. Elements on the page should have some sort of visual connection to each other.
Proximity: Items that belong together should be placed together. Also, by varying proximity we may state how related things are, or vice versa. Proximity can also create certain tensions with things packed closely together or a feeling of calm, or distance by spreading them apart.
Just remember that when you are designing use only the elements that are absolutely essential to the design, and communicating the message. Extras can only serve to clutter and confuse things. Designs usually go through several stages of refinement before they are deemed suitable for public consumption.
Here is some design CRAP. Well it isn’t crap in the truest sense of the word, but an acronym used in design. CRAP stands for Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. These four things are points a designer should be aware of when creating that award winning annual report, or even that single page black and white flyer.
Contrast: Contrast can be use effectively to emphasize one subject in a design. Making a certain word bold, compared to the rest will set it aside from the rest. Contrast can also be applied to size. Varying the size of items on a page can also cause the viewer’s eye to be directed how you want.
Repetition: Some forms of repetition help to lead the eye, or set a nice even an orderly set of elements. Repetition of some elements over others can also set them apart from the rest.
Alignment: Can bring order and neatness to a page, and the complete lack of alignment can also cause a tension that may be desired. Elements on the page should have some sort of visual connection to each other.
Proximity: Items that belong together should be placed together. Also, by varying proximity we may state how related things are, or vice versa. Proximity can also create certain tensions with things packed closely together or a feeling of calm, or distance by spreading them apart.
Just remember that when you are designing use only the elements that are absolutely essential to the design, and communicating the message. Extras can only serve to clutter and confuse things. Designs usually go through several stages of refinement before they are deemed suitable for public consumption.