UMN Ultigraph Seminar 2021: Good Design is More Than Aesthetics

Guide and speaker at the Ultigraph UMN 2021 seminar “Good Design is More Than Aesthetics” (doc. UMN)

TANGERANG – Ultigraph UMN 2021, an activity that is held every two years by students of the UMN Visual Communication Design Study Program, again holds various series of seminars and workshops. “Good Design is More Than Aesthetics” became one of a series of seminars held virtually on Friday afternoon (29/10/21). On this occasion, Ultigraph UMN invited Olivia G. Sutanto as the Senior Interaction Designer at Google, Zurich.

In line with the topic “Good Design is More Than Aesthetics”, Olivia said that design is not only about aesthetic appearance. However, the function is also very important to consider in designing. Therefore, Olivia said it is important to balance between aesthetics and usability in a design.

“A good designer is someone who is number one who can create functional and useable designs. However, it can also balance with aesthetics design, “said Olivia.

Regarding making aesthetic designs, Olivia explained that there are seven principles in design. First, unity is a design principle that ensures all elements in it are harmonious. Second, balance is a composition in a design that can be balanced or unbalanced. Third, hierarchy is a design principle that guides users to identify the most important design compositions. Fourth, contrast is the difference between two or more objects in the design, such as dark and light, small and large, thin and thick. Fifth, emphasis is a design principle that is similar to contrast, but has more to do with impacting an object. Sixth, scale is a design principle related to element size or measurement standards. Seventh, repetition is the repetition of design elements that are usually used in patterns or textures.

One example of a design on a radio that, according to Olivia, has a balance between its beauty and its usefulness (doc. UMN)

In addition to the seven principles in design, Olivia also explains four important elements in creating UX Design. The four elements can be related to the functionality of a design. The first element is functional which focuses on the function of a design to solve problems. Second, useable which focuses on whether a design can be used. Third, intuitive which focuses on how intuitive the user is in using or executing a design. Fourth, accessible about whether the design is accessible to everyone.

Also read UMN Ultigraph Seminar 2021: Tips on Building Business and Personal Branding in the Creative Industries

In the end, Olivia again reminded that the functionality of a design is the most important thing to pay attention to. Nevertheless, he said there must be a balance between the beauty and the usefulness of a design. On the occasion of this seminar, he also presented several examples of designs that have a balance between beauty and usefulness.

Reported from Instagram @ultigraph, Ultigraph is the largest graphic design festival organized by students under the auspices of the UMN Visual Communication Design Study Program. This year, Ultigraph UMN 2021 carries the theme “Kara Anagata” with the hope of updating the mindset of graphic designers towards a design so that it can have an impact on society. Ultigraph UMN 2021 this time consists of a series of interesting events, such as competitions, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and Awarding Night.

By Melinda Chang | UMN News Service

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