Blog Eight -- Williams

Having taken Kristin Arola's English 336 class last semester, this was my second exposure to Robin Williams's 'CRAP Principles.' And, while I understand their merit, I find Alex W. White's 'Seven Design Components' to be far more worthwhile in design. These include: unity, gestalt, dominance, space, hierarchy, balance, and color. When referring to and actually creating designs, these seven attributes are some of the most important. To me, the 'CRAP Principles' seem somewhat restrictive. For example, the feeling of gestalt that a design creates is vital. Without this, the audience is left with an incomplete feeling. Their eyes make no connection between one thing and another. It seems that Williams is neglecting to discuss a very significant element of design.

Likely, however, the two must work in tandem. A truly successful design should encompass both Williams's and White's principles.


Contrast:

This is, some might argue, the most important element of design. Without some kind of differentiation between ideas, a reader will find no interest on the page. Therefore, they will not look at it. Color, size, shape, and line thickness can all help to create contrast.


Repetition:

While contrast is important to draw in an audience, too much contrast is distracting. Repetition allows similar ideas to be visually grouped together. For example, a hierarchy of ideas might be created through font size and the consistent use of an outline (meaning, the same format throughout the whole page). Unity is created through repetition.


Alignment:

Text and images should not be haphazardly placed on a page; just because there was open space in that particular spot does not mean it should be used. Without conscious organization, the ideas within the design can become confused. Alignment helps to highlight the relationship between one thing and another. In this case, even if they are separated.


Proximity:

Much in the same way that repetition creates a sense of unity amongst items, proximity works in a similar way. Grouping things close to one another gives the visual cue that they are related. A lack of proximity makes the design look cluttered, therefore deterring the audience from reading the text.