Experiment 1: Gestalt Principles
This experiment explored how we can utilize shapes, specifically squares, to encompass words and convey feelings. Given an 8x8, we were asked to play with squares and explore movement and spacing. We were to use only black squares to express five words: order, tension, congestion, playfulness, and comfort.
I first started sketching on Procreate and dumping other words that connected to the given words. I explored what the words meant to me and how I could express that feeling through the use of squares and spacing.
For the word order, the idea of uniformity and sequence really appealed to me. I really enjoyed this first sketch of order in where there was a sequence of increasing size.
I felt that the design was too simple and decided to repeat the sequence to create a pattern.
But then the spacing seemed alittle weird so I decided to change it to where there was equal spacing between each square.
I wanted to make this design a little more complex than the simple pattern. I wanted to play with size and spacing in such a way they are the inverse of each other. The bigger the squares the smaller the spacing, the smaller the squares, the bigger the spacing. This was my final iteration for order.
For tension, I thought of pressure. I wanted to express some form of heavy weight. This was my first iteration.
I wanted to include a tiny space that lived between the bigger square and the smaller square to create that over looming pressure that was to come if the bigger square were to fall down. But I felt the pressure wasn’t enough. I decided to move the smaller square to the right and tilt the bigger square to create a greater feeling of tension and slipping.
For congestion, I thought of blockage. I wanted to play with different sizing of squares and spacing it in a way that there were very little room between the squares. This is my first iteration.
However, this didn’t convey the sense of congestion as much as I wanted. I didn't seem like blockage enough, so I decided to change it to where the squares overlapped one another.
For playfulness, I wanted to play with the idea of rebellion. It encompassed the idea of fighting against the norms, against conformity. I wanted it to be fun, playful, and different than its counterparts. I decided on the idea of a single line of squares and a random one that jumped out at you.
I played around with spacing and sizing, ultimately making the squares just a smidge smaller and bigger spacing so it didn't seem as crowded.
For comfort, I immediately thought about how I tend to surround myself in things I find comfort in. Comfort is the way we surround ourselves, either with people or things that make us feel at home and welcomed. With a central square that represents one-self, we are then surrounded by the things that bring us comfort without being suffocated.
I felt that the surrounding squares were a little too big and it felt a bit suffocating, so I decided to change it to a smaller size and increased the spacing.
This is the experiment overall, with all the final iterations of the words given: order, tension, congestion, playfulness, and comfort.
I really enjoy this experiment, I felt that it really let me explore the meaning of words and how we can express them visually. It was interesting to see how words appear different to everyone else.
