DESIGN PRINCIPLES TASK 3 Development & Design
✩ 10/3/25 - 23/3/25 (Week 6 - Week 7)
✩ WONG MEI YEE 0367857
✩ Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
✩ Task 3 Development & Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Instructions
Task 3: Development and Design
Glitch Mode Album Poster
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| Figure 2.1, Original Poster. |
★ Idea 1:
Sketch:
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Refined Sketch:
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| Figure 2.1.2, Idea 1 after improvements. |
Rationale
This design explores a dynamic visual aesthetic inspired by the theme “Glitch Mode.” The halftone background and glitch effects are used to evoke a retro-futuristic atmosphere, reflecting the ideas of digital distortion, visual noise, and fragmentation. These elements disrupt the conventional visual harmony and introduce a sense of movement and energy within the layout. Despite the visual tension, the composition maintains a strong focal point on the central figures, ensuring that the narrative of the design remains clear and engaging. A high-contrast color palette of bold yellow and black was chosen to enhance visual impact and create a striking visual rhythm. Meanwhile, the background was selectively softened using gradient masks and blur effects to guide the viewer’s attention towards the main subjects, particularly their faces. This balance between intensity and subtlety helps build a layered visual experience. The glitch effect—applied deliberately on the figures' clothing and text rather than their faces—symbolizes the interference between human presence and digital systems. It also adds texture and conceptual depth to the work, aligning with the theme’s message. Overall, the design merges analog techniques (halftone) and digital disruption (glitch) to create a compelling visual statement.
Design Process
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| Figure 2.1.4, Process. |
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| Figure 2.1.5, Process. |
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| Figure 2.1.6, Process. |
However, I felt that the result was a bit too plain and lacked dynamic impact. So, I exported the file to Procreate, where I could explore more expressive treatments. I used Procreate’s Glitch effect on the text to enhance the concept visually and to better communicate the glitchy, distorted aesthetic I was aiming for. I imported the second halftone group image into Procreate as well, because I wanted to create a visual interaction between the figures — almost as if the first group photo was breaking apart and falling onto the people, creating a strong sense of movement and connection between the two visual elements.
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This combination of halftone and glitch not only adds visual rhythm but also helps to reinforce the conceptual tone of distortion, fragmentation, and digital interference.
To finalize the composition, I returned to Photoshop and made additional refinements to the overall balance and layering. I adjusted the placement of elements to create a more cohesive visual hierarchy, ensuring that the viewer’s attention would first be drawn to the main figures and then guided toward the glitched text and background.
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For the typography, I used Photoshop’s halftone filter on the text, specifically choosing a line-based halftone pattern to simulate a scan line effect. This not only visually complements the digital glitch aesthetic but also evokes the feeling of old CRT screens and analog displays — further reinforcing the retro-tech atmosphere of the design. |
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Overall, this design process was an exploration of blending analog textures with digital disruption. By combining Photoshop’s halftone patterns with Procreate’s glitch effects, I was able to develop a hybrid aesthetic that reflects both retro and futuristic qualities — perfectly aligning with the visual identity of Glitch Mode.
Design Principles Applied in My Poster
1. Contrast
The poster makes strong use of contrast — not only in color (black and yellow) but also in texture and visual effects. The glitch elements, halftone textures, and smooth gradient overlays all create striking differences between sharpness and distortion, making the composition visually engaging and energetic.
Example: The clean silhouettes of the figures sharply contrast with the fragmented glitch textures, drawing attention to the core subjects.
2. Emphasis
The use of scale, color, and glitch distortion places strong emphasis on key focal points — especially the main figures and the title “GLITCH MØDE”. This guides the viewer’s eye and reinforces the thematic concept of disruption.
Example: The bold glitchy title at the top immediately grabs attention, serving as a visual anchor.
3. Movement
The glitch effect creates a sense of dynamic movement, as if the image is shifting, vibrating, or breaking apart in real time. The eye naturally follows the distortion lines, visual trails, and halftone transitions — mimicking the way a digital signal might glitch.
Example: The lower part of the poster, where the glitched text and second group image interact, gives a downward flow, simulating visual breakdown or digital fallout.
4. Rhythm and Repetition
The halftone dot and line patterns create a sense of visual rhythm, like a digital pulse or frequency. These repetitive patterns add cohesion across different parts of the poster and unify the layout despite the chaotic glitch elements.
Example: Repeating halftone textures (background, clothing, typography) form a consistent visual language throughout the design.
5. Balance
Although the design incorporates asymmetrical elements (such as glitch distortions and uneven textures), it still maintains a sense of visual balance. The composition is carefully arranged so that the top and bottom halves echo each other — with glitch effects appearing in both areas — keeping the design visually grounded.
Example: The symmetrical arrangement of the figures on both the top and bottom of the poster helps maintain equilibrium.
6. Unity and Harmony
Despite the mix of halftone, glitch, blur, and gradients, the poster maintains a unified visual style. This harmony comes from the limited color palette, consistent application of glitch/halftone effects, and the overall retro-digital mood.
Example: The use of yellow-and-black halftone across all elements — figures, background, text — holds the visual elements together cohesively.
Feedback
Week 6 ★
Week 7 ★
Mr. Anwar mentioned that my progress is fine so far. However, he also gave me a valuable reminder for future improvement. He encouraged me to start thinking beyond just completing tasks — to design with purpose and value in mind. He asked me to imagine a real working scenario:
"What kind of design job would you be doing? Where would this design appear? Is it good enough to appear there?"
This feedback inspired me to reflect on how I can elevate my design quality and always consider the professional context when creating visuals.
Reflections
Experience ✩
Completing Task 3 allowed me to further explore the creative possibilities of combining glitch aesthetics with halftone textures. I started the process by isolating the main figures using Photoshop, then applied a halftone filter to create a graphic, retro-inspired texture. The most exciting part was using Procreate’s glitch adjustment tools to distort certain elements and enhance the overall concept. By layering effects and adjusting compositions, I aimed to communicate a sense of digital fragmentation while keeping the focus on the characters. The use of bold yellow and black color scheme also helped intensify the visual impact.
Observations ✩
Throughout this task, I observed how important it is to create a visual balance between distortion and clarity. Too much glitch can distract from the message, while too little may not capture the intended atmosphere. I also noticed the value of softening certain background areas to improve depth and focus—especially using blur and gradient masks in Photoshop. This helped emphasize the main figures more effectively. I realized that even small adjustments in opacity, spacing, or background interaction can significantly affect the overall harmony of the poster.
Findings ✩
This task deepened my understanding of how visual techniques like halftone and glitch effects can be used to support a concept rather than just decorate a composition. I also learned how to combine different tools (Photoshop + Procreate) more effectively across the workflow. One of my key takeaways was the importance of thinking critically about where and how my design would function in a real-world context, as Mr. Anwar suggested. Moving forward, I hope to challenge myself with designs that not only look visually striking, but also communicate deeper meaning and purpose.
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