47 MODULE 1: TERM 1 – Introducing the world of design


Let us take you back to the beginning of civilization. Before the existence of the universal alphabet, line was used as a means of communication between people. At first the mark or line was probably very uncon- trolled, much the same as when we as young toddlers discovered that we can make a mark with a fat crayon on exactly everything we were not supposed to. As we developed further, we learned to combine a variety of lines so that we could draw shapes. Ten came our awareness of symbols and we learned to draw characters, letters and numbers.


Did you know... that your handwriting is an example of controlled line?


Although many of us are not equipped to understand all languages, many symbols can be classified as a uni- versal language understood by all, no matter their culture or literacy skills. At this point, we can clearly dis- tinguish between the power of the written word and the power of visual language like that of a symbol and the visual message it carries. Use the 4 examples below and write down the message you think each communicate. *Also see module two on “Te history of symbols and visual communication”


Different qualities you can achieve with line LINE


LINE controlled


varied outline fluid


spontaneous


mark-making loose fine


bold crisp


expressive linear


Different qualities of line 3. 1. 2. 4.


Line can express emotions and states of mind through, for instance, its character, direction and movement: Horizontal lines can express a calm and restful feeling. Vertical lines can suggest spirituality. Diagonal lines can suggest movement and speed. Horizontal and vertical lines in combination can represent stability and solidity. Deep curved lines can suggest turbulence. Soſt curved lines can suggest comfort, safety, relaxation. Descriptive lines/outlines or contour lines define edges and suggest shapes. Sensitive contour lines can even suggest weight, volume and form. Hatching and crosshatching of individual lines creates shadows and tonal values that suggest the 3D quality of a form. Increasing the number of lines will create a darker tone. Repetition of line develops a decorative element to a design and can therefore also suggest rhythm and movement.


Activity 10


Exercise Take an A4 or A3 piece of paper and divide the paper into 10 equal blocks. Use each block and draw all the line qualities discussed above. You may use any drawing tool but make sure that you understand exactly how you want to manipulate this tool to show all the line qualities. For instance, you will certainly draw the quality of a deep curved line that can also suggest turbulence differently than the quality of the soſt curved lines that can suggest comfort, safety and relaxation. Try it. Tis is not going to be an easy activity, but you will learn a lot about how far you can push your drawing tools and at the same time you will continue to develop your drawing, conceptional and observational skills.


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WHAT IS DESIGN?


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