For the first project, we were given three reading resources: In the Cloud, Parallel Universes (Ch. 4 and Ch. 8), and Gestalt Theory.
The primary purpose of In the Cloud was to familiarize the reader with the difference between drive storage and cloud storage. The main disadvantage of the physical drive storage (mainly flash drive) is that it corrupts easily. It is impossible to restore the data. The following schema (3-2-1 backup rule) of storing data may reduce the possibility of losing the work done:
- Have three copies of data
- Keep data on two different media
- Store one backup on remote server (cloud-based server)
One of the interesting points of this article was this 3-2-1 backup rule. Even though we all know that technology can be unreliable from time to time, I tend to rely on it very badly and do not have a habit of storing my data anywhere but my computer.
Chapter 4 of the Parallel Universes focuses on Point, Line, and Plane. A point does not have dimensions, and its only property is its location. Line, on the other hand, has one dimension. The line consists of an infinite number of points; it is a point pushed by some force along a vector of some length. The plane, in turn, is a two-dimensional entity; it is a line pushed by some force along a vector of some length. It may consist of an infinite number of points, lanes, and subdivided planes. Other entities described in the article are volume and kinematics, which are three- and four-dimensional entities.
Point expresses its optical properties, such as texture and color. A line can possess even more properties such as length, thickness, curviness, or straightness. For the plane, even if it is black and white, the possibilities for achieving expressiveness are almost infinite.
Another interesting topic of this chapter is the figure-ground (positive-negative) relationship. Figure (or positive shape) is a meaningful mark made on the ground (or negative shape). The figure is drawn inside the visual field of ground, while the ground is everything but figure. There are three figure-ground relationship types:
- Stable (easy to determine the figure)
- Reversible (the eye may alternate between ground and figure)
- Ambiguous (it is not apparent what is ground/figure)
In Chapter 8, we were asked to focus on principles such as Unity and Balance. Unity is a quality that provides the sense that there is nothing else to be added; it means that the composition is whole and complete. Balance can be achieved through Equilibrium, Symmetry, and Asymmetry.
Equilibrium is physical stability; it can be achieved by equal distribution of structure. Equilibrium is a physical equivalent of Symmetry. Symmetry is a visual attribute of Balance. Symmetry can be achieved by placing elements on opposite sides relative to the center. Balance can be achieved through Asymmetry by developing a harmonic relationship of visually unequal parts.
Gestalt theory is a set of principles of perception and laws of grouping. This theory is useful in creating “rules” used in visual design and related domains. Gestalt theory introduces four principles of perception: emergence, reification, multistability, and invariance. In addition to that, there are eight laws of grouping: proximity, similarity, closure, symmetry, continuity, common fate, figure and ground, Prägnaz.
The most interesting takeaway from this article for me was the arrow in the FedEx logo. While I can see FedEx cars every day, I did not notice this arrow until after reading this article about Gestalt theory. It reminds me that I need to pay more attention to everyday things and appreciate ideas that designers and artists try to put in their works.