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Elements of Design: Space

Lemons. Expensive.

Easily one of the most misunderstood aspects of layout design is white space (also known as negative space). The term refers to the parts of a composition left unmarked by text and graphics – including margins, gutters and space between lines of type. When used effectively, space can aid the hierarchy of information, push out elements, and simply give the eyes a break. White space needn’t actually be white – it can be any colour – as long as we subconsciously see it as the background.

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Faceless LED Watch
by Hiranao Tsuboi

Detail

It seems that the Faceless LED Watch – designed by Hiranao Tsuboi of 100% – has entered mass production.

Lights off

The watch was originally produced as a one-off for Tokyo Design Week 2008, where it created some considerable demand for itself.

Lights on

Here are the product details, but there’s no word on pricing or a release date yet. Consider me in the queue for one.

Japanese wristwatches

Japan is no stranger to funky watch design, and there are plenty of novel examples available from Tokyoflash.

Animals in logo design

Let me know if i’ve missed your favourite example and i’ll add to the list

A number of the worlds most famous brands feature animals in their identity – an age-old technique of implying characteristics to a brand – such as the confident and brave lion, or a loyal dog.

Here are some of my favourites – both high profile, and others that I have stumbled across over the last couple of years…

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The rules of typography

Image courtesy of Pheezy

Over the centuries, as type has developed, guidelines and best practices have emerged that – when followed – can ensure that textual content is clear and easy to understand. A clear message is surely the goal of graphic design.

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Beach photography

Arrr ’tis a beast of the sea

I was recently away in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast. Plenty of photographic opportunities down there, especially when the sun is out!

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2009 Barclays
Photographic Awards

Photograph: Mark Leech / Offiside

This is a really interesting group of action shots from last season of the Barclays Premier League.

See more at Guardian.co.uk

Ladyhawke

Ladyhawke’s cat. Maybe.

I picked up the new album from the wonderful Ladyhawke the other day. The music is great, but the CD also plays host to some charming illustrations by Sarah Larnach.

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Describing letterforms

The Baseline refers to the imaginary line that all characters ‘sit’ on. The Median is the imaginary line defining the X-height of the letterforms.

The field of Typography employs a number of technical terms to describe letterforms. If you take the time to learn these, you will find it much easier to identify specific faces, and will amaze all your friends with your knowledge of type (well, maybe).

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First shots with my Digital SLR

Nikon D60

I picked up my first DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera) last summer. I opted for a Nikon D60, and very much enjoy using it, although I’m still getting to grips with the different settings! Here are some of the best shots I’ve taken since the purchase.

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iPhone apps for designers

Apple iPhone

As much as I love my iPhone, it wouldn’t be half the experience without the range of downloadable applications and games available for it. With its accelerometer, internet connection and (flawed) camera, the possibilities offered by the platform are huge.

There are plenty of apps out there aimed at designers. Some intended to aid our everyday tasks, and others more for fun. Here are some of the best I’ve found so far:

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