Hi Ben, here is my project. I chose an ad from the Apple website to analyze the 4 core principles of design.

1. Proximity

The product’s name at the top is in close proximity to the text which highlights the main characteristics that they want to show: “big and bigger”. Also, the text is in close proximity to the call to action they want customers to follow, which is to “Learn more” or “Buy”.

Just the same, the images (hands holding iPhones) are in close proximity to each other and to the text above, which gives the idea that everything is related to each other.

2. Alignment 

The text is aligned to the top, to the center of the ad as well as horizontally, whereas the images are aligned at the center of the ad but vertically as if they are pointing out to the text above, giving the idea that the text is talking about the objects shown. 

Also, the fingers of each hand in both images are aligned horizontally and in close proximity to each other.

 

3. Repetition

The same font is used in all the text, and the color of the hands and the white background is common for the whole ad.

 

4. Contrast

Overall there’s a lot of good contrast in the ad. First of all, there’s a contrast in the text used, as there’s regular text and bold text, also in the use of black color and blue color. There’s more contrast in the size used for the text. All this contrast makes the text easier to read and also communicates the ad’s message better.

There’s more contrast between the color of the text and the white background, which makes the text easier to read.

There’s contrast also in the way the products are presented, as one iPhone is seen from the back and the other one is seen from the front. 

Anyway, I hope I was able to analyze this image properly. Please let me know if I missed anything else.

Thanks for the class, it was very informative and I learned a lot. Now I can see a design with a more critical eye, and also able to apply these principles in my future designs.

 

Update: I’m analyzing two more pieces as you suggested.

 

 This is an ad for a set of pens.

1. Proximity 

there is a proximity in the bottom part of the ad, where the pen’s tips are displayed showing the features of each pen such as the tips’ size, color, and style.

Also, the proximity in the main body of the ad with the top and the bottom part shows that this is what these pens can do. 

2. Alignment 

The pens’ tips are aligned horizontally at the bottom of the ad as well as between each other.

At the top, the brand logo is aligned with the text which advertises what these pens are used for and the quantity inside the pack.

3. Repetition

At the bottom, there is repetition in the size of the font used, in the circles that show the color of each pen, and also in the size of the picture of the pens’ tips.

4. Contrast

There’s a lot of good contrast. First of all. the color of the font being used against the background, makes the text stand out and gives a clear message.

There’s good contrast in the white logo, against the navy blue background which emphasizes the brand.

In the main body of the ad, the colors of the drawings given as examples are also in contrast: the pink and the navy blue, the green with the navy blue as well as the pink with the red color at the top, as well as the fonts used in this section which emphasize the different kind of results you can have with the pens.

The contrast also shows in the bold text at the top which emphasizes that these pens are for handwriting.

There’s contrast as well in the background which is a notebook, which is rotated to the left and shows the white page in contrast to the navy blue background which reinforces the purpose of being pens for handwriting only.

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Last, this is an ad for a store

1. Proximity 

The proximity of the text at the top with the price and with the models communicates that this price refers to these clothes.

2. Alignment - Contrast

The vertical alignment in the background divides the space into two areas which are also in contrast due to the colors used, this shows that the clothes being sold, can be bought for one unique price.

The fonts in the text are in contrast because of the different sizes and arrangements (round and regular text) Also there’s a contrast in the way that the models present the clothes, one is squatting and smiling while the other one is standing and not smiling, which might mean that the clothes can be worn for work and for play.

The white plus sign is a big contrast to the whole image which I think emphasizes that you can mix and match the styles advertised.

3. Repetition 

The background where each model is portrayed repeats the rectangle shape which gives the ad an overall balance.