DESIGN PRINCIPLES TASK 2 Visual Analysis & Ideation
✩ 17/2/25 - 9/3/25 (Week 3 - Week 5)
✩ WONG MEI YEE 0367857
✩ Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
✩ Task 2 Visual Analysis & Ideation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Instructions
Task 2 Visual Analysis and Ideation
Glitch Mode Album Poster
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| Figure 2.1, Original Poster. |
The selected design work is the promotional poster for Glitch Mode, an album by NCT Dream. This poster features seven members dressed in black suits against a bold yellow background, with the album title in large, black blocky typography. The overall composition is clean yet striking, utilizing high contrast and strong design principles to create an impactful visual identity.
Design Principles Analysis
1. Gestalt Theory
Gestalt principles play a key role in how elements in the poster are perceived as a unified whole. The proximity of the group members makes them appear as a single unit rather than separate individuals. Additionally, the figure-ground relationship is strong—the black-clad figures contrast sharply against the solid yellow background, ensuring clear separation between subject and background.
2. Contrast
Contrast is effectively used in multiple ways. The most obvious is color contrast—the black suits and typography stand out against the bright yellow background, creating a visually engaging composition. Additionally, the textural contrast between the smooth, graphic-style illustration of the members and the solid background adds depth to the design.
3. Emphasis
The typography and group placement are designed to emphasize the theme of the album. The large, bold, black text “GLITCH MODE” is the most eye-catching element, reinforcing the album title. The positioning of the group members leads the viewer’s eye from top to bottom, emphasizing the dynamic yet sophisticated image of the artists.
4. Balance
The composition follows asymmetrical balance. The group members are arranged in a slightly off-centered manner, creating a natural flow of movement. Meanwhile, the typography at the bottom provides a solid weight that grounds the overall composition, preventing it from feeling too top-heavy.
5. Repetition
Repetition is found in the similar poses, outfits, and monochromatic clothing of the members. This creates visual unity and harmony while reinforcing the sleek and sophisticated image of the concept. The use of repeated black elements(clothing, text, and accessories) ties the poster together cohesively.
6. Movement
Although the members are standing still, subtle elements contribute to a sense of movement. The slight variations in poses and stances create a natural flow across the composition. The diagonal positioning of some figures helps guide the viewer’s eye, and the typography placement at the bottom naturally draws attention downwards.
7. Harmony & Unity
The poster is cohesive due to its limited yet bold color palette of black and yellow. The typography, subject arrangement, and styling work together to create a unified aesthetic that aligns with the album’s concept.
8. Symbolism
The glitch effect in the album title (with the pixelated logo inside the “O” of “MODE”) subtly references digital distortion, which ties into the “Glitch Mode” concept. Additionally, the suits and accessories reflect a mix of sophistication and modernity, aligning with the futuristic theme of the album.
9. Word and Image Integration
The text placement complements the composition rather than overpowering it. The large typography at the bottom creates a strong foundation for the design, while the sticker-like detail on the right corner adds an extra design element. This balance ensures that both the imagery and text work harmoniously to deliver the intended message.
Effectiveness of the Design
This poster is highly effective in conveying the bold, futuristic, and stylish concept of Glitch Mode. The strong contrast, clean composition, and thoughtful use of design principles ensure that the poster grabs attention while maintaining a professional and cohesive look. However, the glitch theme could be emphasized further—such as incorporating actual glitch effects into the text or figures to better reflect the album’s concept.
Sketch:
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Refined Sketch:
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Mr. Anwar advised me not to use the original image directly but to either redraw it or apply more extreme photo manipulation. He saw potential in my first idea but pointed out that the composition was too similar to the original, encouraging me to take a bolder approach.
Based on his feedback, I made significant changes to Idea 1 by experimenting with a more daring composition and stronger glitch effects. I also used a different group photo to break away from the original structure.
Sketch:
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Refined Sketch:
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| Figure 2.2.4, Idea 1 after improvements. |
Sketch Explanation
Differences from the Original NCT DREAM Poster
Design Principles
Sketch:
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| Figure 2.3.1, Idea 2. |
Refined Sketch:
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| Figure 2.3.2, Idea 2. |
Sketch Explanation
I created this sketch using Procreate, incorporating a pixelation effect to emphasize the theme of "Glitch Mode." The design explores digital distortion through both typography and image manipulation.
Concept & Idea:
- The typography is entirely hand-drawn with rectangular blocks to mimic pixel glitches, reinforcing the digital breakdown aesthetic.
- The figures are edited with a pixelation effect, breaking their forms into fragmented sections while maintaining their recognizable silhouettes.
Design Principles
- Contrast: The black-and-white scheme creates strong visual impact.
- Emphasis: The glitch effects in both text and image draw attention to the concept of digital distortion.
- Repetition: The structured pixelation in both text and figures builds consistency.
- Negative Space: The clean background ensures clarity and balance amid the chaotic pixelation.
Modifications from the Original Poster:
- The original clean and polished aesthetic was replaced with intentional pixelated distortions.
- The typography was custom-designed instead of using a standard font, aligning it with the glitch theme.
- The pixelation effect on the figures replaces smooth photo edits, reinforcing a fragmented digital look.
Sketch:
Figure 2.4.1, Idea 3.
Refined Sketch:
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Figure 2.4.2, Idea 3. | |
Sketch Explanation
I created this refined sketch using Procreate, applying digital effects to achieve a glitch aesthetic. This design is inspired by the original NCT Dream "Glitch Mode" poster, but I made key modifications to emphasize distortion and pixelation.
Concept & Changes from the Original Design:
- Typography: I refined the "GLITCH MODE" text by integrating pixel-based distortions and digital noise, reinforcing the glitch theme.
- Upper Section (Inverted Figures): I added a halftone effect to the upside-down figures to create a contrast between structured and distorted elements.
- Lower Section (Standing Figures): I applied strip pixelation and stretch effects to visually break apart the figures, simulating a digital malfunction.
Design Principles Applied:
1. Contrast
I used strong black-and-white contrast with pixelation effects. The upper part features inverted figures with a halftone texture, creating a lighter appearance, while the lower part has high-contrast, blocky pixelation. This contrast emphasizes the fragmented digital look.
2. Distortion
The strip pixelation and stretched effect on the figures simulate a glitching digital signal. This intentional distortion reinforces the theme of technological malfunction, aligning with the concept of Glitch Mode.
3. Hierarchy
The composition is structured into three layers:
- The title "GLITCH MODE" at the top, designed with a glitch-inspired typeface to reinforce the theme.
- The inverted figures in the upper half, creating a surreal, disrupted effect.
- The lower group of figures, rendered in a fragmented pixel style, acting as the focal point.
4. Repetition
The arrangement of figures in both the upper and lower parts establishes a visual rhythm, reinforcing unity within the chaotic glitch aesthetic.
5. Alignment
The title, inverted figures, and main figures are aligned, maintaining balance despite the distorted elements.
6. Emphasis
The glitched figures in the lower half serve as the visual focal point due to their heavy black pixelation and distorted details. Additionally, the stylized title typography draws attention to the theme.
Sketch:
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Figure 2.5.1, Idea 4. | |
Refined Sketch:
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| Figure 2.5.1, Idea 4. |
Sketch Explanation
Changes and Improvements:
I based my design on the original NCT Dream Glitch Mode poster but made several modifications:
- Instead of using a single group shot, I arranged individual portraits of the members in a structured grid layout.
- I applied pixelation and glitch effects to distort their faces, creating a stronger sense of digital malfunction.
- The typography at the bottom retains the glitch-inspired style but ensures readability.
Design Principles:
- Contrast – The sharp edges of the helmet contrast with the pixelated, distorted areas of the faces, creating a striking effect.
- Emphasis – The glitch effects draw attention to specific facial areas, reinforcing the digital distortion theme.
- Repetition – The grid layout and consistent framing of each portrait provide visual harmony while maintaining variation.
- Balance – The structured arrangement of portraits is counterbalanced by the text at the bottom, ensuring a well-composed design.
Feedback
Mr. Anwar provided feedback on my refined sketch, advising me to avoid using the original image directly. Instead, he suggested either redrawing it or applying more extreme photo manipulation. He found my first idea promising but noted that the composition was too similar to the original, encouraging me to take a bolder approach. Additionally, he pointed out that my typography needed further exploration, recommending Photoshop for that stage in Task 3. Lastly, he highlighted a readability issue in my design, mentioning that the letter 'G' in Glitch Mode looked too much like an 'O,' which could cause confusion.
Reflections
Experience ✩
Completing Task 2 was both an exciting and challenging process. Using Procreate, I explored how to reinterpret the Glitch Mode aesthetic while incorporating the feedback I received. Initially, my design closely resembled the original NCT Dream poster, but I realized that I needed to push my ideas further. By experimenting with different glitch effects and composition techniques, I was able to develop a more unique and dynamic visual. The process of distorting images and typography helped me understand how digital manipulation can enhance the overall concept.
Observations ✩
One key observation I made during this task was how important it is to balance distortion with readability. While the glitch effect creates a visually engaging composition, it can also make elements difficult to recognize if not carefully controlled. Another key insight was the significance of silhouette-based composition. By replacing the original photo with outlined figures, I found that the design became more abstract yet still recognizable. This approach allowed me to maintain the essence of the group without relying on direct imagery.
Findings ✩
Through this task, I realized that pushing boundaries in design requires both experimentation and refinement. I also noticed that my ability to incorporate feedback has improved—I was able to take Mr. Anwar’s suggestions and apply them effectively in my revised design. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of typography in glitch aesthetics, particularly in terms of maintaining legibility while using distortion. Moving forward, I plan to further refine my glitch techniques and explore how they can be integrated with typography in a more cohesive way.
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