GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

In the topic, Identify the Need, you learnt that the aesthetics of a product can be as important as
its function. Is it possible to design a product that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone? Are
there any guidelines to follow for aesthetics? Let’s find out the answers to these questions in
this topic.

Success Criteria
 I can explain the term ‘aesthetics’.
 I can elaborate the role of lines, shapes and forms, colours, textures and proportions in
relation to design.

Aesthetics is about the appearance of a product. It is also about the ‘feel’ of a product. These two
qualities, affecting your emotions and your senses, play an important role when you are selecting
a product to buy. When you are choosing a new school bag, besides its meeting your needs. You
may ask yourself whether it looks good on you or whether you are comfortable carrying it. You
may ask the same questions repeatedly for different school bags until you select the one that you
feel most satisfied with.

What comes to your mind when you are

choosing a new school bag? Page 1 of 10
GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Aesthetic appeal is not the same for everyone. Different groups of people have different likes and
needs which can be influenced by factors including age, gender and cultural background. So it is
important to understand the group of people who will use the product. It is useful to know the
basic elements of aesthetics. These elements include:

 Lines (that define the product)

 Shapes
 Forms
 Colours
 Textures
 Proportions

These MP3 players are very different aesthetically. Which group

of people do you think each player will appeal to?

Source: https://visme.co/blog/elements-principles-good-design/

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Lines are a basic element of aesthetics. They indicate position, direction and sometimes other
information. Different types of lines can affect your feelings towards a design.

A line’s width is sometimes called its “thickness”. Lines are sometimes called “strokes”, especially
when referring to lines.

Curly lines
Graduated
lines Curved
lines
Diagonal
lines

Horizontal
lines

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

A shape is formed when a line encloses an area. It is two-dimensional (2-D). For example, a
rectangle is a simple shape.

12.3.1 Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes have straight lines or regular curves. They are often symmetrical. A rectangle,
a circle, a square and a triangle are all examples of geometric shapes.

A rectangle is a shape with length

breadth and breadth.

length

Square Rectangle
Circle Triangle

Pentagon Right angled Trapezium Kite

triangle

Parallelogram Ellipse Trefoil Star

Hexagon Crescent Octagon Cross

These are some examples of geometric shapes.

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

12.3.2 Organic Shapes

Organic shapes are shapes we see in nature. They have free-flowing lines and are often non-
symmetrical.

Here are some examples of organic shapes.

12.3.1 Combining Shapes

Simple shapes can be combined or modified to form a more complex shape. This is a good way
to explore ideas for new shapes.

Two circles and a

rectangle rectangle have been
combined here to design
a component for an
illuminated memo board.

parts of circles

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

A shape that has a thickness or

depth is called a form. Forms are
three-dimensional (3-D) which
means they have length, breadth
and depth.

12.4.1 Geometric Forms

Like geometric shapes, geometric
forms are regular and mostly
symmetrical. A sphere, a rectangular
block, a cone and a cylinder are
examples of geometric forms.

Geometric forms were widely used by

designers between 1924-1939. Brilliant
Tiong
colours were combined with materials The Fullerton
such as bronze, ivory and ebony in the Bahru
manufacture of all kinds of products. This
style of design is called Art Deco style.

Many buildings that were constructed in

Singapore during those years reflect the
Art Deco style.

Features reflecting the Art Deco style

include:

 Appearance with stylized often

with geometric ornamentation.
 A series of set back (plain, flat
offset in wall) that create a
stepped outline.
 Low relief decorative panels
can be found at entrances and Old Supreme Court
around windows. The Cathay

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

12.4.2 Organic Forms

Organic forms are forms we see in nature.
They have irregular, curved and flowing
outlines.

12.4.3 Combining Forms

Simple forms can be
combined or modified to
form a more complex form.

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Colour is one of the first things people notice about a product. This is why the choice of colours
is important when designers are designing a product. Designers often work with specific groups
of colours, such as those shown here.

Neutral colours have low “saturation”; they

are not bright or “intense”.

Contrasting colours, also known as complementary

colours, are directly opposite each other on the colour
wheel.
12.5.1 Colour Association
The colours that look right for one group of products may not look right for another group. In other
words, we associate particular colours with particular products or situations. Below are some
examples.
White is associated
with purity and
cleanliness. For this
reason, white is used
for many kitchen
Toys for babies
appliances and
and toddlers
bathroom products
Black or silver are usually have
where possible.
often used for bright colours.
modern or ‘hi-tech’
products such as
the digital camera.
Products for the
environment such as
litter bins tend to
have colours of
nature such as green.

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Take a closer look at the surfaces of different products around you. You will probably see that
some are smooth, some are rough, and some are bumpy with patterns or grooves. These surface
patterns are called textures. Texture is used to enhance the look or the function of a product.

The surface texture

gives a sophisticated
look to the toy.

Shoe’s sole has textured

surfaces to increase the
The portable hand drill
friction between them and
has a textured handle
the ground.
to improve its grip
ergonomically.

Big, small, tall, short, wide, narrow – these are words to describe different sizes. Size is important
in design. When you are designing things, you should try to make sure that parts of different sizes
look right when they are fitted together. In other words, you should make sure that the different
parts are in proportion to each other.
A design

 Has good
proportions when
parts of different
sizes look right
together.
 Is out of proportion
when a part looks
either too big or
too small or does
not look right.
The proportions of these products look wrong. What
improvements would you make to them so that they
have good proportion?

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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) – DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

 A beautiful design is not a product of great imagination or a result of an idea. Rather, it is

a product of carefully plotted design elements chosen to create a visual representation of
the idea and the imagination.

 ‘Aesthetics’ is a word that describes the look and feel of a product.

 Different aesthetics appeal to different groups of people with different design needs.

 Lines, shapes, forms, colours, textures and proportions define the aesthetics of a product.

 The types of lines in a design can indicate position, direction and sometimes other
information.

 A shape is a two-dimensional. It has length and height.

 Geometric shapes have straight lines or regular curves. They are often symmetrical.

 Organic shapes have free-flowing lines and are often non-symmetrical.’

 A form is three dimensional. It has length, breadth and depth.

 Geometric forms are regular and mostly symmetrical.

 Different colours are associated with different types of products.

 Texture can be used to add visual interest and to provide a function.

 Parts of different sizes should look right together in a product – they should have good
design proportions.

 Aesthetics, ergonomics and function should be considered together when developing a

design.

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