Examining the 3 C's of Graphic Design

Blog Entry #3

 

    

     This week's readings focused on deepening our knowledge of graphic designs and how the presentation of images can either attract or distract a viewer. According to Jim Krause's Book, Design Basics Index, there are very specific rules in place to help graphic designer’s present images that are "aesthetically" pleasing to the eye. During my reading experience, I learned about the importance of "Composition, Components, and Concept." Following the guidelines within each of these elements, can help each graphic designer become more knowledgeable about how to present images and also assist him or her with understanding how visual presentations can be utilized as either effective or non-effective sources of information. Specifically, for this blog entry #3, I selected an image that I considered distracting. After viewing the image, I am going to discuss how the image is not in alignment with the basic rules of graphic design.

     To complete this assignment, I googled, "the worst 25 websites," which focused on poorly constructed web pages. Surprisingly, I discovered that the United States government health care site was listed.  So, then, I used the snipping tool on my PC and I snipped the first page of the website to use in this discussion. Please view the image below.

(This image was snipped)



First, lets examine the components of the visual elements that appear on the web page.  All of the images towards the bottom of the page share the same background color (navy blue), which in my opinion is unaesthetically pleasing to the eye. Would you agree? Instead, I think that the colors should be varied to be aligned with the message of what the image is attempting to convey.  Next, I would like to examine the alignment of images. Although the images seem to follow an equal spacing sequence, I think that invariance of measurements around the icons focuses the viewer’s eye specifically on the icon itself and not the actually words. In other words, the icons need to be rearranged on the page. It seems that the design of the page, is allowing the images to “just happen,” which is something that Krause does not recommend. According to Krause (2004), it’s extremely important to: “develop an active awareness of the spatial relationships that are occurring between the components of a layout or image” (p. 21).  Developing an awareness of spatial relationships takes time and clearly, the more experience and practice you have with it, will determine exactly how successful you will be at it. According to Krause, “this awareness quickly becomes second-nature to a designer or artist.” (p. 21).  In order to present a better representation of what the presenter is attempting to achieve (which is enabling more viewers to visit the page more frequently), I think that the layout of the actual components need to be visited, and the block of color behind the divisions of space should also be reviewed.  Did you notice that there’s a cloudy looking image in the background?  The solid line at the top of the page is utilized as a “road divider” line separating smaller font or text from other (larger) text.

            I’ve also observed that there seems to be a disconnect between the images and words that are used here. The images should be grouped differently. The extreme lack of proper grouping seems to cause a disconnect between the components and concept. In order to better entice viewers, perhaps, different images could be selected or the placement of these images need to change. Would you agree?

     Additionally, the centering of the words on the webpage: “Find out if you qualify” gives emphasis to the importance of obtaining healthcare. The enlarged letters of “Still need health coverage,” has dominance on the page. But, perhaps this was intentional. Clearly, accessing the pertinent content calls for the viewer to pay close attention to what’s being presented, but the organization of the content is in need of improvement to ensure that the viewer can quickly and efficiently access all information.

            Perhaps since launching this webpage (I believe in 2013), the need for a quick tool to help individuals sign up for health care coverage added to the sense of urgency. As we know, having sufficient health care coverage is vital, and maybe there will be a redesign of the page in the future.