Project 1: Graphic Design
Introduction and Learning Objective
My project, as a whole, will introduce new players to the game Phase 10, explain the rules, and demonstrate gameplay. The Phase card lists the different phases each player must complete in order to move on to the next one. This image helps clarify some of the terms and common misunderstandings, such as when the color of the card matters.
Objective: When given a Phase card, new players will be able to understand and create each of the ten phases by collecting and playing sets, runs, and matching color cards.
Original File Links & Licensing
Original captured images: Photos of Background of Cards, Phase Card
Card design and art: Mattel 2012
Techniques
Basic Raster Techniques
Change image size - both background and phase card image
Rotate Image - rotated the phase card image
Adjust brightness and contrast - both the background and phase card images
Adjust color vibrancy - background image
Apply filters from the filter gallery - applied stain glass filter on the background image
Advanced Raster Techniques
Remove small object - removed marks from the white space on the phase card
Replace a background with a layer mask - made the black background behind the phase card transculent
Add an object to an image with a layer mask - added the phase card as a layer over the background
Add texture to an image - background image
Basic Vector Techniques
Draw simple shapes - triangles on the end of the arrows
Add a line of text or paragraphs of text - added text explanations
Format text - change the font, size, and color of text
Advanced Vector Techniques
Reshape text - adjusted the spacing between lines, letters, and added 3D effect
Draw with the curvature tool - created the lines of the arrows with the curvature tool
Edit paths and shapes - Changed shape, color, and drop shadow to arrows
Design Elements
Contrast - The light text and white card against the darker background creates interesting contrast and makes them both stand out. The dark arrows against the white color of the card also makes them stand out more. This helps make the image more clear to the learner, so they don't have to search for the information.
Repetition - The background is made up of the same design, the back of the cards, repeated to cover the whole background (though not in an orderly fashion). The text is the same font, size, color, and design repeated three times, along with the same color and style of the three arrows (though not the path of the lines). The statements each start with the term they are explaining, using a similar sentence structure, which makes the statements easier to understand quickly.
Alignment - The phase card is centered vertically on the background. Each set of text is center aligned along the same vertical line. This makes each group of text similar to each other, and the learner will be able to see that the same type of information is provided about three different kinds of phases.
Proximity - The spacing within the text makes it easier to see that there are three distinct statements, and the corresponding arrows are placed to make it clear which statement matches with which phase, which is essential to help the learner understand which phase the statement refers to.
Reflection
As a teacher, I've created a lot of material for learning, but I admit that I never really paid much attention to any specific design theories. This process has made me much more aware of how the design of my teaching materials really matters in helping learners understand the information, as well as creating interest (which is always important, especially with kids online). I have noticed that I have instinctually used some design principles in the past, but I think that was likely due to seeing them used in images that I regularly see and emulating them subconsciously, based on what looks "normal" and "good." I am definitely going to be more thoughtful about how I create learning materials in the future.