Design Principles and
Processes
This presentation will explore the fundamental principles and
processes that underpin effective design, covering key elements
like line, shape, color, and texture, as well as the iterative steps
involved in creating successful products.
by Justin Azeez
Design Principles
Line Style
A continuous mark made on a surface by a moving The manner or process of employing tools and
point, often an outline, contour, or silhouette. Line can materials in a work of art, communicating the
also convey direction, as in the principles of uniform personality of an artist, school, or group. Style reflects
connectedness, continuation, common fate, and a common influence or unifying belief.
parallelism.
Design Principles (cont.)
Shape and Size Color
The element of design that has two dimensions: length An element of art with properties of hue, intensity, and
and width. Relative size can attract attention to a focal value. Color can aid organization, create hierarchy, and
point, and larger-than-life elements create a sense of emphasize specific features in a design.
drama.
Design Principles (cont.)
Texture Space
An element of design referring to surface qualities, A design element that can be described as two- or
both visual and tactile. Visual texture is the illusion of three-dimensional, referring to the distance or area
surface peaks and valleys, created through techniques between, around, above, below, or within objects.
like hatching and shading. Volume refers to the space within a form.
Design Principles (cont.)
Form is three-dimensional, enclosing volume. It refers to the
configuration or shape of an object in two or three-dimensional
space. Form can also be used to describe a distinctive style, form,
or content in art.
Design Elements: Line
Line weight refers to the thickness of a line. Choose line widths
according to the size of the drawing, with a ratio between thin and
thick lines of at least 1:2.
Design Elements: Line Types
Different line types are used in technical drawings to convey
specific information about the object being represented. For
example, solid lines indicate visible edges, dashed lines indicate
hidden edges, and dotted lines indicate center lines.
Design Elements: Color
Color can play a large role in design, aiding organization, creating
hierarchy, and emphasizing specific features. Developing a
consistent color strategy is crucial for effective design.
Design Processes
Define the Problem Generate Solutions
List product or customer requirements, including information Test, manufacturing, and marketing teams generate multiple
about product functions and features. alternatives to achieve the design goals and requirements.
1 2 3
Gather Information
Obtain relevant information for the design of the product and its
functional specifications.
Design Processes (cont.)
1 Communicate Design Ideas
Survey the market for similar products and communicate design
ideas to stakeholders.
2 Develop Working Drawings
Produce drawings for manufacturing or construction of a prototype
based on the detailed design data.
3 Analyse and Select a Solution
Consider cost, safety, and other criteria to select the most
promising alternatives for further analysis.
4 Test and Implement
Construct a prototype and perform functional tests to verify and
possibly modify the design.