If you are expecting to find my thoughts on outer space, I apologize. This post is actually in reference to space, positive/negative and format, and how it is used within art and photography.

Before we began this week, I always tended to pay more attention to focus and position [higher vs. lower], and had never actually heard of the terms positive space and negative space. Now; however, I would like to think that I will be paying more attention to how positive and negative space play a role within a site or graphic.

Well, the obvious challenge with ‘new media’ is that there is such a huge array of screen resolution sizes. Less obvious things to consider are users’ Internet connections and different graphic cards.

In the past I have not considered negative space; however, as stated before, I do intend to use it in the future. Again, same for illusionary space; although, I had experimented some with drop shadows. And yes, I absolutely intend on using both in the future.

No, I do not know any artists, off hand, that are ‘masters’ of space. I do have to admit, though, that I am not much into art nor photography. However, I do have ambitions to begin looking a little more in depth into photography [both others and taking photos].

Nick

2. Positive space usually refers to the elements of a design that are understood to have implied volume, such as an object.

3. Negative space can be anything in a design that can be filled with objects that are in the background or that are less important than the main objects.

6. An object that is appears closer would normally be lower on the canvas.

7. Objects in the distance would appear darker when compared with objects in that are supposed to appear closer.

8. Yes, objects that are closer would appear to have a sharper focus than objects that appear further.

Nick

1. The information phase, the interaction phase and the presentation phase.

2. Defining the needs of the target audience makes the design process easier, and helps achieve the purpose of the project. This information will affect everything from the information presented to what the site will look like.

3. Does the specific content help achieve the goal? Can this information be presented in a way that is easily understood by the intended viewer?

4. ‘Make it easy’ - viewers/users should not be ‘working’ at trying to navigate a site. Keep the navigation controls the same [and in the same place] from page to page.

5. The entrance and exit are important because the (1) set the tone for how the site will be viewed and (2) set the final impression the user has on the site.

6. A layout is a way to consistently render information [from page to page] that allows for easy navigation and viewing of the site, that uses the right balance of functionality and ‘pizzaz’.

7. A prototype is the last step of the design process, and is a working example of the entire project.

Nick

You should take the time, even if you read this tomorrow, to remember those lost on and the tragic events of 11 September 2001.

Nick

I get Lasik surgery on my eyes. I am definitely looking forward to the freedom of no contacts and no glasses!

Nick