Visual Communication & Design
presentation
slug: topic-map-presentation-visual-communication-design
Vocabulary:
- Visual communication: Transmission of information through visual means
- Perception: Process of interpreting sensory information
- Cognition: Mental processes of understanding and reasoning
- Visual hierarchy: Organization of elements by importance
- Gestalt principles: Laws of perceptual organization
- Figure-ground: Relationship between object and background
- Proximity: Elements close together are perceived as related
- Similarity: Similar elements are perceived as grouped
- Continuity: Elements arranged in lines or curves are perceived as related
- Closure: Mind completes incomplete shapes
- Common fate: Elements moving together are perceived as grouped
- Symmetry: Balanced elements are perceived as unified
- Prägnanz: Tendency to perceive simplest form
- White space/Negative space: Empty areas around elements
- Visual weight: Perceived heaviness or importance of element
- Balance: Distribution of visual weight
- Symmetrical balance: Mirror-like arrangement
- Asymmetrical balance: Balance without mirroring
- Radial balance: Elements radiating from center
- Contrast: Difference between elements
- Emphasis: Making elements stand out
- Focal point: Primary area of attention
- Rhythm: Pattern of repetition and variation
- Harmony: Pleasing arrangement of elements
- Unity: Cohesive relationship among elements
- Proportion: Relative size relationships
- Scale: Size in relation to normal or surroundings
- Golden ratio: Mathematical ratio (1:1.618) found aesthetically pleasing
- Rule of thirds: Compositional guideline dividing into nine parts
- Grid system: Framework for organizing content
- Modular grid: Grid with consistent-sized modules
- Column grid: Vertical divisions for layout
- Baseline grid: Horizontal lines for text alignment
- Alignment: Positioning elements along common edges
- Flush left/ragged right: Left-aligned text
- Justified: Text aligned on both edges
- Centered: Text aligned to center
- Typography: Art and technique of arranging type
- Typeface: Design of a set of characters
- Font: Specific size and style of typeface
- Serif: Small lines at character ends
- Sans-serif: Without serifs
- Monospace: Fixed-width characters
- Display type: Large, decorative text
- Body type: Text for reading
- Leading: Vertical space between lines
- Kerning: Space between character pairs
- Tracking: Overall spacing between characters
- Hierarchy (typographic): Organization of text by importance
- Point size: Height measurement of type
- X-height: Height of lowercase x
- Ascender: Part of letter extending above x-height
- Descender: Part of letter extending below baseline
- Baseline: Invisible line text sits on
- Cap height: Height of capital letters
- Counter: Enclosed or partially enclosed space in letter
- Ligature: Two or more characters combined
- Widow: Single word on last line of paragraph
- Orphan: Single line at start or end of page/column
- River: Unintended white space running through text
- Color theory: Study of color relationships and effects
- Hue: Pure color
- Saturation: Intensity or purity of color
- Value/Brightness: Lightness or darkness of color
- Tint: Color plus white
- Shade: Color plus black
- Tone: Color plus gray
- Primary colors: Red, yellow, blue (subtractive) or RGB (additive)
- Secondary colors: Combinations of primary colors
- Tertiary colors: Combinations of primary and secondary
- Complementary colors: Opposite on color wheel
- Analogous colors: Adjacent on color wheel
- Triadic colors: Three evenly spaced colors
- Tetradic colors: Four colors in two complementary pairs
- Monochromatic: Variations of single hue
- Color temperature: Warm vs cool colors
- Color harmony: Pleasing color combinations
- Color psychology: Emotional associations with colors
- Color accessibility: Ensuring colors are perceivable by all
- Color contrast ratio: Measure of luminance difference
- Chromaticity: Quality of color independent of brightness
- Luminance: Perceived brightness
- Color space: Mathematical model for colors (RGB, CMYK, HSL, LAB)
- Gamut: Range of colors a device can produce
- Color blindness: Reduced ability to distinguish colors
- Icon: Simplified graphic representation
- Symbol: Visual representation of concept or idea
- Pictogram: Simplified picture representing object
- Ideogram: Symbol representing idea or concept
- Infographic: Visual representation of information
- Data visualization: Graphical representation of data
- Chart: Graphical representation of data relationships
- Diagram: Simplified drawing showing relationships
- Illustration: Drawing or image explaining or decorating
- Photography: Creating images with light
- Image composition: Arrangement of visual elements
- Frame/Framing: Edges defining visual boundaries
- Perspective: Representation of three-dimensional space
- Depth cues: Visual signals indicating distance
- Foreground: Front area of composition
- Middle ground: Area between foreground and background
- Background: Rear area of composition
- Layer: Separate level of visual elements
- Opacity: Degree of transparency
- Transparency: Ability to see through element
- Texture: Surface quality or appearance
- Pattern: Repeated decorative design
- Shape: Two-dimensional enclosed area
- Form: Three-dimensional object
- Line: Mark connecting two points
- Line weight: Thickness of line
- Implied line: Suggested rather than actual line
- Contour: Outline defining shape
- Silhouette: Solid shape filled with single color
- Vector: Scalable mathematical representation
- Raster: Pixel-based image
- Resolution: Level of detail in image
- DPI/PPI: Dots or pixels per inch
- Aspect ratio: Proportional relationship between width and height
- Viewport: Visible area of design
- Canvas: Working area for design
- Artboard: Defined area within canvas
- Bleed: Extended area beyond trim edge
- Crop marks: Indicators for trimming
- Safe area: Zone ensuring critical content isn't cut
- Margin: Space between content and edge
- Padding: Space inside element around content
- Gutter: Space between columns or elements
- Visual identity: Consistent visual appearance of brand
- Brand: Perception and experience of organization
- Logo: Symbolic representation of brand
- Wordmark: Text-based logo
- Logomark: Symbol without text
- Brandmark: Combination of wordmark and logomark
- Style guide: Documentation of design standards
- Design system: Collection of reusable components and guidelines
- Component: Reusable design element
- Pattern library: Collection of interface patterns
- Mood board: Collection of visual inspiration
- Wireframe: Low-fidelity layout sketch
- Mockup: Static design representation
- Prototype: Interactive design simulation
- Affordance: Visual suggestion of how to interact
- Signifier: Indicator of available actions
- Feedback: System response to user action
- User interface (UI): Visual elements for interaction
- User experience (UX): Overall experience using product
- Usability: Ease of use and learnability
- Accessibility: Design usable by people with disabilities
- Inclusive design: Design considering diverse user needs
- Universal design: Design usable by all without adaptation
- Legibility: Ease of distinguishing individual characters
- Readability: Ease of reading and comprehending text
- Scanability: Ease of quickly finding information
- Visual literacy: Ability to interpret and create visual messages
- Semiotics: Study of signs and symbols
- Signifier: Physical form of sign
- Signified: Concept represented by sign
- Denotation: Literal meaning
- Connotation: Associated or implied meaning
- Metaphor: Representing one thing as another
- Visual metaphor: Using images to represent concepts
- Visual analogy: Showing similarity between different things
- Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting elements together
- Visual narrative: Telling story through images
- Sequence: Order of visual elements
- Flow: Path eye follows through design
- Visual direction: Implied movement or guidance
- Enclosure: Using borders or backgrounds to group
- Containment: Visual boundary around elements
- Visual tension: Dynamic relationship between elements
- Visual rhythm: Repeated patterns creating movement
- Visual echo: Repetition of visual characteristics
- Repetition: Using same element multiple times
- Variation: Modifying repeated elements
- Dominance: Most prominent element
- Subordination: Less prominent elements supporting main element
- Visual complexity: Amount of detail and variety
- Visual simplicity: Reduction to essential elements
- Minimalism: Design approach using minimal elements
- Maximalism: Design approach using abundant elements
- Brutalism: Raw, unrefined design aesthetic
- Skeuomorphism: Design mimicking physical objects
- Flat design: Two-dimensional minimalist style
- Material design: Design language using card metaphor and elevation
- Neumorphism: Soft, extruded design style
- Glassmorphism: Translucent, frosted-glass effect
- Gradient: Gradual transition between colors
- Drop shadow: Effect creating illusion of depth
- Elevation: Perceived height of element
- Motion design: Animation and movement in design
- Transition: Change from one state to another
- Animation: Creating illusion of movement
- Easing: Acceleration curve of animation
- Micro-interaction: Small, focused interaction moment
- Loading state: Visual indication of processing
- Empty state: Design for no content scenario
- Error state: Design for error scenario
- Responsive design: Design adapting to different screen sizes
- Breakpoint: Screen size where layout changes
- Mobile-first: Designing for smallest screens first
- Desktop-first: Designing for largest screens first
- Adaptive design: Different layouts for specific devices
- Fluid design: Proportional scaling across sizes
- Fixed design: Set dimensions regardless of screen
- Flexible box (Flexbox): CSS layout method
- CSS Grid: Two-dimensional layout system
- Container: Element holding other elements
- Constraint: Rule limiting design parameters
Concepts:
- Vision as primary sense for information processing
- Pre-attentive processing of visual features
- Attention as limited cognitive resource
- Working memory constraints on visual information
- Pattern recognition and chunking
- Mental models and schema
- Cognitive load theory applied to visuals
- Dual coding theory (verbal and visual processing)
- Picture superiority effect
- Visual attention and eye movements
- Saccades and fixations in viewing
- Change blindness phenomenon
- Inattentional blindness
- Pop-out effect in visual search
- Bottom-up vs top-down processing
- Perceptual organization principles
- Object recognition processes
- Face perception specialization
- Depth perception mechanisms
- Color perception physiology
- Trichromatic theory of color vision
- Opponent process theory
- Color constancy
- Simultaneous contrast
- Successive contrast (afterimages)
- Color context effects
- Cultural differences in color perception
- Aesthetic response to visual stimuli
- Beauty and preference in design
- Processing fluency and preference
- Mere exposure effect
- Familiarity vs novelty balance
- Complexity and interest
- Arousal potential of designs
- Emotion elicitation through visuals
- Mood congruence effects
- Visual rhetoric and persuasion
- Ethos, pathos, logos in visual form
- Visual argument construction
- Evidence presentation strategies
- Credibility indicators in design
- Authority signals through design
- Trust-building visual elements
- Professional vs casual aesthetics
- Visual tone and voice
- Brand personality expression
- Consistency and recognition
- Distinctive assets in branding
- Visual equity building over time
- Style as communication tool
- Genre conventions in design
- Breaking conventions effectively
- Innovation vs usability tension
- Form follows function principle
- Function over form when appropriate
- Aesthetic-usability effect
- Beauty as indicator of quality
- Fitness for purpose in design
- Context-appropriate design choices
- Cultural considerations in design
- Cross-cultural visual understanding
- Localization vs globalization
- Symbolism across cultures
- Reading direction effects on layout
- Time perception differences in design
- High-context vs low-context communication
- Power distance reflected in design
- Individualism vs collectivism in visuals
- Uncertainty avoidance in design choices
- Age-appropriate design
- Gender considerations in design
- Socioeconomic factors in design perception
- Educational level and design complexity
- Expertise effects on interpretation
- Domain knowledge and visual understanding
- Scaffolding for novice audiences
- Layered complexity for mixed audiences
- Progressive disclosure strategies
- Information foraging behavior
- Satisficing in visual search
- Visual anchoring and primacy effects
- Serial position effects in layouts
- Recency effects in sequences
- Attentional capture mechanisms
- Sustaining attention over time
- Visual fatigue and overstimulation
- Restful design and visual breathing room
- Pacing in visual narratives
- Building and releasing tension
- Visual climax and resolution
- Narrative arc in non-linear media
- Multiple entry points in design
- Non-linear navigation patterns
- Wayfinding in information spaces
- Orientation cues in interfaces
- Landmark recognition
- Spatial memory in navigation
- Consistency aids recognition
- Predictability reduces cognitive load
- Surprise and delight moments
- Anticipatory design
- Default choices and nudging
- Choice architecture through design
- Framing effects in presentation
- Anchoring through visual prominence
- Loss aversion in interface design
- Social proof signals
- Scarcity indicators
- Urgency creation through design
- Commitment and consistency through UI
- Reciprocity in user experience
- Authority cues in design
- Ethical considerations in persuasive design
- Dark patterns and manipulation
- Transparency in design intent
- User autonomy preservation
- Informed consent through design
- Privacy communication visually
- Inclusive design philosophy
- Accessibility as baseline requirement
- Disability perspectives in design
- Assistive technology compatibility
- Universal design benefits all users
- Edge cases inform better design
- Permanent vs temporary vs situational disabilities
- Environmental constraints on perception
- Lighting conditions and design
- Screen glare and contrast
- Distance viewing considerations
- Motion sensitivity
- Time pressure and simplified design
- Distraction and attention management
- Multi-tasking contexts
- Information density trade-offs
- Detail vs overview tension
- Zoom and pan strategies
- Overview plus detail approach
- Focus plus context techniques
- Hierarchical information organization
- Categorization and taxonomies
- Faceted classification
- Network structures for information
- Temporal organization
- Spatial organization metaphors
- Alphabetical vs logical ordering
- Frequency-based prioritization
- Task-based organization
- Audience-centered structure
- Search vs browse paradigms
- Filter vs sort strategies
- Comparison facilitating layouts
- Relationship visualization
- Part-whole relationships
- Process and sequence showing
- Cause and effect illustration
- Evolution over time depiction
- Abstraction levels in representation
- Iconic to symbolic spectrum
- Concrete vs abstract imagery
- Literal vs metaphorical representation
- Decorative vs functional elements
- Reduction and simplification strategies
- Essential complexity preservation
- Clarity through elimination
- Signal to noise ratio optimization
- Visual interference minimization
- Figure-ground clarity
- Ambiguity as intentional tool
- Multiple interpretations in art
- Single interpretation in instruction
- Precision vs expressiveness
- Technical accuracy vs artistic license
- Schematic representation value
- Photorealism when appropriate
- Stylization for emphasis
- Caricature and exaggeration
- Idealization vs realism
- Authenticity in visual communication
- Stock imagery limitations
- Custom visuals for specificity
- User-generated content integration
- Real people vs models
- Diversity representation
- Stereotype awareness and avoidance
- Representation responsibility
- Whose perspective is shown
- Power dynamics in framing
- Objectivity vs subjectivity in visuals
- Editorial vs advocacy design
- Neutrality as design choice
- Taking a stance visually
- Visual journalism standards
- Fact vs opinion distinction
- Source attribution visually
- Data provenance communication
- Uncertainty representation
- Confidence intervals in visuals
- Error communication
- Missing data acknowledgment
- Scale and context provision
- Baseline choices importance
- Axis manipulation awareness
- Proportional ink principle
- Chart junk avoidance
- Decoration with purpose
- Visual embellishment trade-offs
- Engagement vs clarity balance
- Memorability through design
- Emotional impact of aesthetics
- Rational vs emotional appeals
- Data-driven decision support
- Story-driven understanding
- Explanation vs exploration
- Author-driven vs reader-driven
- Interactive vs static media
- Animation appropriateness
- Transition smoothness
- Temporal resolution in animation
- Simultaneity vs sequence
- Comparison through juxtaposition
- Comparison through superimposition
- Comparison through animation
- Small multiples approach
- Faceting and conditioning
- Layering in information graphics
- Visual encoding effectiveness
- Channel capacity differences
- Position vs color vs size effectiveness
- Perceptual accuracy of encodings
- Discriminability of visual variables
- Selectivity of attention to channels
- Associativity of visual groupings
- Quantitative vs categorical encoding
- Ordered vs unordered representation
- Nominal vs ordinal vs interval vs ratio scales
- Mapping data to visual properties
- Retinal variables (Bertin)
- Marks and channels framework
- Grammar of graphics concepts
- Layered grammar approach
- Composability in visualization
- Declarative vs imperative specification
- Visual design patterns
- Anti-patterns in design
- Best practices vs context-dependence
- Design conventions value
- When to break rules
- Innovation within constraints
- Constraints fostering creativity
- Design thinking process
- Iterative design and refinement
- User-centered design approach
- Participatory design methods
- Co-creation with users
- Design critique practices
- Feedback incorporation
- A/B testing of designs
- Multivariate testing
- Eye-tracking insights
- Heat maps of attention
- Click tracking and analytics
- User testing methodologies
- Heuristic evaluation
- Expert review processes
- Design reviews and presentation
- Articulating design decisions
- Rationale documentation
- Design systems maintenance
- Component evolution
- Version control for designs
- Design debt accumulation
- Refactoring and cleanup
- Scalability of design systems
- Flexibility vs consistency
- Customization vs standardization
- Brand expression within systems
- Design tokens concept
- Atomic design methodology
- Component composition
- Props and variants
- State management in components
- Responsive component behavior
- Accessible component patterns
- Cross-platform design considerations
- Platform-specific conventions
- Native vs web design patterns
- Responsive vs adaptive strategies
- Content parity vs customization
- Mobile-specific interactions
- Touch vs click interactions
- Gesture vocabulary
- Hover state alternatives
- Screen size constraints
- Thumb-friendly zones
- One-handed operation
- Landscape vs portrait orientation
- Foldable and flexible screens
- Multi-screen experiences
- Handoff between devices
- Continuity across contexts
- Print vs digital design differences
- Static vs dynamic media
- Interactivity opportunities
- Real-time updates
- Personalization capabilities
- Performance constraints in digital
- File size considerations
- Load time impacts
- Progressive enhancement
- Graceful degradation
- Fallback design strategies
Procedures:
- Establishing visual hierarchy:
- Identify most important content
- Use size to indicate importance
- Apply color for emphasis
- Employ contrast strategically
- Position key elements prominently
- Use white space to isolate
- Test hierarchy by squinting (blur test)
- Verify scanning pattern
- Check that primary content is noticed first
- Creating balanced composition:
- Identify visual weight of elements
- Distribute weight across canvas
- Use symmetry for formal balance
- Create asymmetric balance through position and weight
- Check balance by quadrants
- Consider visual tension
- Adjust until composition feels stable
- Test by rotating/flipping design
- Selecting color palette:
- Define color strategy (analogous, complementary, etc.)
- Choose dominant color
- Select accent colors
- Establish neutral colors
- Test color relationships
- Check contrast ratios for accessibility
- Verify color-blind safe combinations
- Create color swatches/variables
- Document color usage rules
- Designing with typography:
- Select typeface appropriate to content and audience
- Establish type scale (size hierarchy)
- Set line height for readability
- Adjust letter spacing as needed
- Create clear typographic hierarchy
- Limit number of typefaces (usually 2-3)
- Ensure adequate contrast with background
- Test readability at different sizes
- Check rendering across devices
- Building grid system:
- Determine page/screen dimensions
- Decide number of columns
- Set gutter width
- Establish margins
- Define baseline grid for vertical rhythm
- Create modular units if needed
- Test grid with actual content
- Document grid specifications
- Create templates or components
- Conducting design critique:
- Present design with context and goals
- Explain key decisions
- Identify specific areas for feedback
- Listen without defending
- Ask clarifying questions
- Document feedback
- Distinguish between preference and problems
- Prioritize actionable insights
- Plan revisions based on critique
- User testing design:
- Define testing objectives
- Create realistic tasks
- Recruit representative users
- Prepare test environment
- Observe users without interfering
- Note pain points and confusion
- Ask follow-up questions
- Record quantitative metrics if applicable
- Analyze patterns across users
- Prioritize issues for revision
- Creating accessible design:
- Check color contrast (WCAG standards)
- Provide text alternatives for images
- Ensure keyboard navigation
- Use semantic structure
- Test with screen readers
- Verify touch target sizes
- Avoid color-only information encoding
- Provide captions for video
- Use clear, simple language
- Test with assistive technologies
- Developing design system:
- Audit existing designs
- Identify common patterns
- Define design principles
- Create foundational elements (color, typography, spacing)
- Design core components
- Document usage guidelines
- Build pattern library
- Create templates and examples
- Establish governance model
- Plan for evolution and updates
- Wireframing process:
- Sketch rough ideas
- Focus on structure, not details
- Use boxes and placeholders
- Indicate content hierarchy
- Show navigation and flow
- Keep fidelity low initially
- Iterate quickly based on feedback
- Progress to higher fidelity
- Document interaction notes
- Test with users before adding visual design
- Creating mood board:
- Define design direction to explore
- Collect visual inspiration
- Include color palettes
- Add typography examples
- Include textures and patterns
- Gather relevant imagery
- Arrange cohesively
- Present to stakeholders
- Use to guide detailed design
- Responsive design workflow:
- Start with content inventory
- Design for mobile first (or desktop first)
- Identify breakpoints based on content
- Create layouts for each breakpoint
- Test on actual devices
- Check touch interactions on mobile
- Verify readability at all sizes
- Optimize images for different screens
- Test performance across devices
- Information architecture process:
- Conduct content audit
- Perform user research
- Create card sorting exercise
- Analyze mental models
- Develop taxonomy
- Create site map or structure diagram
- Design navigation system
- Test findability with users
- Refine based on feedback
- Icon design process:
- Define icon purpose and context
- Sketch multiple concepts
- Work on grid for consistency
- Use simple, recognizable forms
- Maintain consistent style across set
- Test at intended display size
- Ensure legibility at small sizes
- Check cultural appropriateness
- Test comprehension with users
- Animation design workflow:
- Define animation purpose
- Determine duration (typically 200-500ms)
- Choose easing function
- Sketch or storyboard key frames
- Consider animation context
- Keep subtle for UI (not distracting)
- Test on actual devices (check performance)
- Ensure accessibility (respect motion preferences)
- Provide alternative for reduced motion
- Design presentation preparation:
- Structure narrative arc
- Start with context and problem
- Explain design goals
- Show process and exploration
- Present final design with rationale
- Anticipate questions
- Practice delivery
- Prepare for different audience types
- Have alternatives ready
- End with clear next steps
- Brand identity development:
- Conduct brand research and strategy
- Define brand attributes and personality
- Create mood boards and visual directions
- Design logo concepts
- Develop color palette
- Select typography
- Create supporting visual elements
- Design applications (business cards, website, etc.)
- Document in brand guidelines
- Plan rollout and implementation
- Layout design process:
- Understand content and hierarchy
- Sketch thumbnail layouts
- Choose grid system
- Place elements following hierarchy
- Establish rhythm and flow
- Use alignment for unity
- Add white space strategically
- Review balance and proportion
- Test with real content
- Refine and polish details
- Color accessibility checking:
- Use contrast checker tool
- Verify text meets WCAG AA (4.5:1) or AAA (7:1)
- Check UI elements meet 3:1 minimum
- Test with color blindness simulators
- Ensure information not conveyed by color alone
- Add patterns or icons where needed
- Test in different lighting conditions
- Verify on different displays
- Document compliant color combinations
Topics:
- Fundamentals of visual perception
- Gestalt psychology in design
- Cognitive psychology for designers
- Attention and memory in visual design
- Eye tracking and visual attention patterns
- Color theory and color systems
- Color psychology and cultural meanings
- Color accessibility and WCAG standards
- Typography fundamentals
- Type classification and history
- Typographic hierarchy
- Web typography and responsive type
- Type pairing strategies
- Layout and composition principles
- Grid systems and modular design
- White space and negative space
- Visual hierarchy techniques
- Balance and symmetry
- Contrast and emphasis
- Proportion and scale
- Rhythm and repetition
- Unity and harmony
- Proximity and grouping
- Alignment strategies
- Visual flow and eye movement
- Figure-ground relationships
- Depth and layering
- Perspective and dimension
- Information architecture
- Navigation design
- Wayfinding in digital spaces
- Content strategy for visual design
- Visual storytelling
- Narrative structure in design
- Sequential art and comics theory
- Storyboarding
- Motion design principles
- Animation timing and easing
- Micro-interactions
- Transitions and state changes
- Icon design
- Pictogram development
- Symbol and sign design
- Illustration techniques
- Photography in design
- Image composition and framing
- Photo editing and retouching
- Image optimization
- Infographic design
- Data visualization fundamentals
- Chart selection and design
- Dashboard design
- Visual encoding principles
- Brand identity design
- Logo design process
- Visual identity systems
- Brand guidelines development
- Style guides and design systems
- Component libraries
- Design tokens
- Pattern libraries
- User interface design
- User experience design
- Usability principles
- Interaction design
- Affordances and signifiers
- Feedback and response
- Error prevention and recovery
- Accessibility in design (WCAG, ADA)
- Inclusive design practices
- Universal design principles
- Assistive technology considerations
- Responsive web design
- Mobile-first design
- Adaptive vs responsive strategies
- Multi-device experiences
- Touch interface design
- Gesture-based interactions
- Voice interface considerations
- Print design fundamentals
- Publication design
- Editorial design
- Packaging design
- Environmental graphic design
- Signage and wayfinding
- Exhibition design
- Presentation design
- Slide deck best practices
- Visual rhetoric
- Persuasive design
- Emotional design
- Design psychology
- Aesthetic-usability effect
- Cultural considerations in design
- Localization and globalization
- Cross-cultural visual communication
- Semiotics and visual meaning
- Symbolism in design
- Metaphor and analogy
- Visual language development
- Design thinking methodology
- User-centered design process
- Design research methods
- Personas and user modeling
- Journey mapping
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Low-fidelity prototyping
- High-fidelity prototyping
- Interactive prototyping
- Design iteration and refinement
- Design critique methods
- Heuristic evaluation
- User testing techniques
- A/B testing in design
- Analytics for design decisions
- Design documentation
- Specifications and redlines
- Design handoff to development
- Design-developer collaboration
- Version control for design
- Design project management
- Design ethics
- Dark patterns and manipulation
- Privacy and data in design
- Inclusive representation
- Sustainable design practices
- Material selection and impact
- Digital sustainability
- Performance optimization for design
- File formats and compression
- Vector vs raster graphics
- Resolution and display considerations
- Color spaces and profiles (RGB, CMYK, LAB)
- Design for print production
- Pre-press processes
- Paper and substrate selection
- Printing techniques
- Design tools and software
- Digital illustration tools
- Vector graphic applications
- Raster editing software
- Prototyping tools
- Collaboration platforms
- Version control systems
- Design asset management
- HTML and CSS for designers
- Design systems in code
- Accessibility testing tools
- Color contrast checkers
- Screen reader testing
- Design trends and movements
- Modernism in design
- Postmodernism in design
- Bauhaus influence
- Swiss design movement
- Minimalist design
- Flat design evolution
- Material design philosophy
- Contemporary design trends
- Historical context of design
- Design pioneers and influencers
- Design education approaches
- Portfolio development
- Design career paths
- Freelance vs in-house design
- Design agency models
- Client management
- Design proposals and estimates
- Contracts and legal considerations
- Intellectual property in design
- Copyright and licensing
- Creative commons and open source
Categories:
- Visual Perception
- Cognitive Psychology
- Color Theory
- Typography
- Layout and Composition
- Information Design
- User Interface Design
- User Experience Design
- Interaction Design
- Motion Design
- Brand Design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Print Design
- Digital Design
- Web Design
- Mobile Design
- Accessibility
- Design Systems
- Design Process
- Design Research
- Design Tools
- Design Ethics
- Design History
- Design Education
- Professional Practice
Themes:
- Clarity and comprehension as primary goals
- Form serving function
- Simplicity through reduction
- Complexity when meaningful
- Consistency building recognition
- Variation maintaining interest
- Beauty enhancing effectiveness
- Emotion influencing engagement
- Context determining appropriateness
- Audience shaping design decisions
- Accessibility as fundamental requirement
- Inclusion expanding reach
- Ethics guiding responsible design
- Sustainability in design practice
- Iteration improving outcomes
- Testing validating assumptions
- Collaboration enriching results
- Constraints fostering creativity
- Technology enabling new possibilities
- Craft and attention to detail
- Universal principles across media
- Medium-specific considerations
- Cultural sensitivity in global design
- Balance between convention and innovation
- Timelessness vs trendiness
- Scalability and system thinking
- Flexibility within structure
- Progressive disclosure managing complexity
- Human-centered approach
- Empathy in design process
- Storytelling through visual means
- Evidence-based design decisions
- Continuous learning and adaptation
Trends:
- AI-assisted design tools
- Generative design systems
- Automated design optimization
- Personalization at scale
- Dynamic and adaptive interfaces
- Voice and conversational UI
- Augmented reality interfaces
- Virtual reality experiences
- Mixed reality design
- 3D interfaces and spatial design
- Neumorphism and soft UI
- Glassmorphism effects
- Dark mode standardization
- Variable fonts adoption
- Fluid typography
- CSS Grid and advanced layouts
- Component-driven design
- Design systems maturation
- Design tokens standardization
- Atomic design methodology
- Design-to-code automation
- Low-code/no-code tools
- Collaborative design platforms
- Real-time co-design
- Version control for design
- Design ops emergence
- Accessibility automation tools
- Inclusive design mainstreaming
- Sustainable and eco-conscious design
- Ethical design frameworks
- Privacy-first design
- Anti-dark-pattern movements
- Transparent design practices
- Neurodesign and brain-computer interfaces
- Biometric-responsive design
- Emotion recognition interfaces
- Ambient and calm technology
- Minimal and focused interfaces
- Distraction-free design
- Wellness-focused interfaces
- Inclusive stock photography
- Authentic representation emphasis
- Diverse visual language
- Localization sophistication
- Cultural adaptation beyond translation
- Motion as core design element
- Micro-animations ubiquity
- Performance-conscious design
- Progressive web apps
- Mobile-first becoming mobile-only
- Foldable and flexible screen designs
- Multi-screen and cross-device experiences
- Spatial computing interfaces
- Haptic feedback design
- Biometric authentication patterns
- Blockchain and Web3 design patterns
- Decentralized identity visualization
- Data privacy dashboards
- Consent interface design
- Carbon footprint indicators
- Sustainable interaction patterns
- Digital wellbeing features
- Screen time management UI
- Mindful notification design
- Accessibility overlays and tools
- Automated alt-text generation
- Real-time captioning
- Sign language avatars
- Dyslexia-friendly design
- Neurodiversity considerations
- Age-inclusive design
- Elderly-focused interfaces
- Child-safe design patterns
- Educational design systems
- Gamification maturation
- Serious game design
- Remote collaboration tools evolution
- Virtual workspace design
- Hybrid work interface patterns
- Asynchronous communication design
- Context-aware interfaces
- Predictive and anticipatory design
- Ambient computing integration
- Internet of Things interfaces
- Smart home control design
- Wearable device interfaces
- Health monitoring visualizations
- Fitness tracking design
- Mental health app design
- Telemedicine interfaces
- Patient-centered healthcare design
- Scientific visualization advances
- Data physicalization
- Tangible interfaces
- Embodied interaction design
Use_cases:
- Website design and development
- Mobile app interfaces
- E-commerce platforms
- Marketing campaigns and collateral
- Social media graphics
- Email design and templates
- Presentation decks
- Corporate branding and identity
- Logo design for startups
- Packaging design for products
- Book and magazine layout
- Poster and flyer design
- Billboard and outdoor advertising
- Trade show booth design
- Retail space and merchandising
- Restaurant menu design
- Wayfinding and signage systems
- Museum exhibition design
- Event branding and materials
- Annual reports and publications
- White papers and case studies
- Infographics for journalism
- Data dashboards for business intelligence
- Analytics reporting interfaces
- Educational materials and textbooks
- E-learning course design
- Training materials and documentation
- Instructional videos and animations
- Product documentation
- User manuals and guides
- Help centers and FAQs
- Onboarding experiences
- Software interfaces and applications
- SaaS product design
- Enterprise software dashboards
- Administrative interfaces
- Content management systems
- Customer relationship management interfaces
- Project management tools
- Collaboration platform design
- Video conferencing interfaces
- Chat and messaging applications
- Social networking platforms
- Dating app interfaces
- Gaming interfaces and HUD
- Streaming service design
- Music player interfaces
- Podcast app design
- E-reader interfaces
- News and media apps
- Weather applications
- Maps and navigation apps
- Travel booking platforms
- Hospitality and accommodation interfaces
- Food delivery app design
- Ride-sharing interfaces
- Fitness and health tracking apps
- Meditation and wellness apps
- Financial services interfaces
- Banking app design
- Investment platform interfaces
- Cryptocurrency wallet design
- Insurance portal design
- Real estate listing platforms
- Property management interfaces
- HR and recruiting platforms
- Job board design
- Freelance marketplace interfaces
- Government service portals
- Civic engagement platforms
- Voting system interfaces
- Legal document design
- Contract templates
- Form design for data collection
- Survey and questionnaire design
- Registration and checkout flows
- Profile and settings interfaces
- Notification systems design
- Email notification templates
- Push notification design
- SMS and text messaging design
- Voice assistant visual responses
- Smart display interfaces
- Car dashboard and infotainment
- Aircraft cockpit displays
- Medical device interfaces
- Scientific instrument displays
- Industrial control panels
- Point-of-sale systems
- Kiosk interfaces
- ATM and banking terminals
- Ticket machines
- Vending machine interfaces
- Smart home control apps
- Thermostat interfaces
- Security system dashboards
- Building management systems
- Augmented reality applications
- Virtual reality experiences
- 360-degree video interfaces
- Holographic displays
- Wearable device screens
- Smartwatch faces and apps
- Fitness band interfaces
- AR glasses displays
- Heads-up displays
- Digital signage content
- Video wall compositions
- Interactive installations
- Projection mapping designs
- LED display content
- Conference room displays
- Reception area screens
- Menu boards for restaurants
- Retail price displays
- Stadium scoreboards
Classes:
-
VisualElement:
properties:
- position: {x, y}
- size: {width, height}
- color: Color
- opacity: float (0-1)
- rotation: float (degrees)
- scale: float
- z_index: integer
- visible: boolean
- locked: boolean
- name: string
- id: string
methods:
- move(x, y)
- resize(width, height)
- rotate(degrees)
- scale(factor)
- set_opacity(value)
- show()
- hide()
- duplicate()
- group_with(elements)
- align_to(element, alignment)
- distribute(direction, spacing)
-
Color:
properties:
- hex: string
- rgb: {r, g, b}
- hsl: {h, s, l}
- hsv: {h, s, v}
- cmyk: {c, m, y, k}
- alpha: float (0-1)
- name: string
methods:
- to_hex()
- to_rgb()
- to_hsl()
- lighten(amount)
- darken(amount)
- saturate(amount)
- desaturate(amount)
- complement()
- analogous(count)
- triadic()
- tetradic()
- contrast_ratio(other_color)
- is_accessible(other_color, level)
- mix_with(other_color, ratio)
-
Typography:
properties:
- typeface: string
- font_family: string
- font_weight: string or integer
- font_style: string (normal, italic, oblique)
- font_size: float
- line_height: float
- letter_spacing: float
- text_align: string
- text_transform: string
- text_decoration: string
- color: Color
- text_content: string
methods:
- set_typeface(name)
- set_size(size)
- set_weight(weight)
- set_leading(line_height)
- set_kerning(letter_spacing)
- apply_hierarchy_level(level)
- calculate_line_count()
- calculate_character_count()
- fit_to_width(width)
- check_readability()
- check_orphans_widows()
-
Layout:
properties:
- width: float
- height: float
- grid: Grid
- margins: {top, right, bottom, left}
- padding: {top, right, bottom, left}
- elements: list of VisualElement
- background_color: Color
- background_image: Image
methods:
- add_element(element)
- remove_element(element)
- set_grid(grid)
- apply_alignment(elements, type)
- distribute_elements(direction)
- balance_layout()
- calculate_visual_weight()
- check_hierarchy()
- export(format)
-
Grid:
properties:
- columns: integer
- rows: integer
- column_width: float
- row_height: float
- gutter: float
- margin: float
- baseline: float
- type: string (column, modular, hierarchical)
methods:
- calculate_dimensions()
- snap_to_grid(element)
- create_column_span(start, end)
- create_row_span(start, end)
- show_grid()
- hide_grid()
- export_guides()
-
ColorPalette:
properties:
- name: string
- colors: list of Color
- primary: Color
- secondary: Color
- accent: list of Color
- neutrals: list of Color
- success: Color
- warning: Color
- error: Color
methods:
- add_color(color, role)
- remove_color(color)
- generate_tints(color, count)
- generate_shades(color, count)
- check_accessibility()
- export_palette(format)
- generate_from_image(image)
- harmonize()
-
DesignSystem:
properties:
- name: string
- version: string
- colors: ColorPalette
- typography: TypographyScale
- spacing: SpacingScale
- components: list of Component
- patterns: list of Pattern
- principles: list of string
- guidelines: dict
methods:
- add_component(component)
- remove_component(component)
- update_component(component)
- add_pattern(pattern)
- generate_documentation()
- export_tokens()
- validate_design(design)
- check_consistency()
- version_control()
-
Component:
properties:
- name: string
- type: string
- variants: list of dict
- states: list of string
- properties: dict
- children: list of Component
- description: string
- usage_guidelines: string
- accessibility_notes: string
methods:
- add_variant(name, properties)
- add_state(name, properties)
- render(variant, state)
- validate_props(props)
- check_accessibility()
- generate_code(framework)
- document()
-
Animation:
properties:
- duration: float (milliseconds)
- delay: float (milliseconds)
- easing: string or function
- iterations: integer or 'infinite'
- direction: string (normal, reverse, alternate)
- fill_mode: string
- target: VisualElement
- properties: dict of animated properties
methods:
- play()
- pause()
- stop()
- reverse()
- set_timing(duration, delay)
- set_easing(function)
- add_keyframe(time, properties)
- remove_keyframe(time)
- export(format)
-
Icon:
properties:
- name: string
- size: integer
- stroke_width: float
- fill_color: Color
- stroke_color: Color
- viewbox: {width, height}
- paths: list of Path
- style: string (outline, filled, two-tone)
methods:
- resize(size)
- set_color(color)
- set_stroke(width, color)
- flip_horizontal()
- flip_vertical()
- export_svg()
- export_png(size)
- generate_variants(sizes)
-
Image:
properties:
- source: string (URL or file path)
- width: integer
- height: integer
- aspect_ratio: float
- format: string
- file_size: integer
- resolution: integer (DPI)
- color_mode: string (RGB, CMYK, Grayscale)
- alt_text: string
methods:
- resize(width, height, maintain_aspect)
- crop(x, y, width, height)
- rotate(degrees)
- flip(direction)
- adjust_brightness(amount)
- adjust_contrast(amount)
- adjust_saturation(amount)
- apply_filter(filter_type)
- compress(quality)
- convert_format(format)
- optimize_for_web()
- generate_responsive_sizes()
- extract_colors(count)
-
StyleGuide:
properties:
- brand_name: string
- logo_variations: list of Image
- color_palette: ColorPalette
- typography_system: TypographyScale
- imagery_guidelines: dict
- voice_and_tone: dict
- dos_and_donts: list
- applications: list of dict
methods:
- add_section(name, content)
- update_section(name, content)
- export_pdf()
- generate_web_version()
- validate_usage(design)
- create_template(type)
-
Wireframe:
properties:
- fidelity: string (low, medium, high)
- device_type: string
- viewport_size: {width, height}
- elements: list of VisualElement
- annotations: list of Annotation
- interactions: list of Interaction
- pages: list of Page
methods:
- add_element(element)
- add_annotation(annotation)
- link_pages(from_page, to_page, trigger)
- set_fidelity(level)
- convert_to_mockup()
- export(format)
- generate_prototype()
-
Prototype:
properties:
- screens: list of Screen
- flows: list of Flow
- interactions: list of Interaction
- hotspots: list of Hotspot
- transitions: list of Transition
- device_frame: string
- shareable_link: string
methods:
- add_screen(screen)
- connect_screens(from_screen, to_screen, interaction)
- add_hotspot(screen, area, action)
- set_transition(from_screen, to_screen, type)
- preview()
- share(permissions)
- collect_feedback()
- export_video()
- generate_specs()
-
AccessibilityChecker:
properties:
- wcag_level: string (A, AA, AAA)
- issues: list of dict
- score: float
- recommendations: list of string
methods:
- check_color_contrast(foreground, background)
- check_text_size(size)
- check_touch_targets(size)
- check_focus_indicators()
- check_alt_text()
- check_heading_structure()
- check_form_labels()
- generate_report()
- suggest_fixes()
-
DesignCritique:
properties:
- design: Layout or Component
- criteria: list of string
- comments: list of Comment
- ratings: dict
- reviewers: list of User
- status: string
methods:
- add_comment(comment, position)
- rate_aspect(aspect, score)
- resolve_comment(comment)
- summarize_feedback()
- prioritize_issues()
- create_action_items()
- export_report()