Date of Defense

4-8-2014

Date of Graduation

4-2014

Department

Art

First Advisor

Ryan Lewis

Second Advisor

Yuanliang Sun

Third Advisor

Nicholas Kuder

Abstract

Looking at the variety of organic form in a natural setting is always an eye opening experience. Seeing how those forms are based on a common system in the environment is even more amazing. Applying the concept of form driven by ratios in the environment to design layout seems like a common sense approach to functional design, yet this is not a common solution in modern design.

Organic form looks organic because it is a product of the environment it is from. If a page is the originating environment for content with a specific function, the content should look like it's meant to be on the page rather than "slapped on" for people to read. This concept applies especially to digital content, as the media is still considered "new," but also environmental, print and interactive design. Regardless of the application, proportion, Geometry and relationships within the space play a major role in it a content's effectiveness.

The layout examples and geometric applications shown in this book are not hard-fast rules, but rather a glimpse at set of tools available to those having to layout information in any media. Geometry can be used effectively in any number of ways. Conversely, it can also be used to the detriment of the functional content that exists within it. Practice and experimentation, like any other craft, are key in using relational design effectively.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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