Project Description
The aim of this project was to create an instructional poster that illustrates a main graphic design rule to follow or an element to exploit when designing multimedia instructional material using  graphic design software (Illustrator, Photoshop). The target audience of the poster is fellow instructional designers.
 

Graphic Design Rule: Layering

According to Lidwell, Holden and Butler, layering is the "process of organizing information into related groupings in order to manage complexity and reinforce relationships in the information" (2003, p. 122).

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Representing Layering

Layering is represented in the poster by the earth, its atmosphere and stratosphere. Within each layer there are elements representing that different educational content can be contained in individual layers.

 

The heading 'With every layer you see the bigger picture', is reference to the notion that elaborate instruction may not be understood when viewed as a whole . The subheading then acts as another layer explains that complex instruction should be broken down into separate sections, reinforcing the principle of layering. 

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Project Challenges

The main challenge was finding a visual representation of layers with different elements to illustrate complexity. We took inspiration from everyday layered objects such as, onions, rocks and buildings. In the end we settled on Earth and its atmospheres.

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The other challenge was to find a way of communicate the principle of layering instruction without using many words so that it could be understood instantly.

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Graphic Design Principles Used

• Contrast

• Layering

• Symmetry

• Closure

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Tools Used

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

 

Personal Reflections

As an architect, using the principle of layering is considered essential for organizing works among different contractors. So, the quality of one layer and the strong correlation with other layers will determine the quality and effectiveness of the final project as a whole. So, to put this definition into practice, my classmate and I used the earth and its atmospheres to represent our main idea. Plus, we asked other classmates for feedback to clarify the efficacy of our message.

The challenge I encountered was reflecting my understanding for layering as a design principle on a poster relying, as much as possible, on visuals only. 

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References

• Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2003). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers.
 

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