Andalusia PAU Design flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Gestalt closure

A perceptual law stating that the mind completes an incomplete figure, filling gaps to perceive a whole shape. Designers exploit this to imply form with minimal strokes, saving visual noise.

Figure-ground relationship

The perceptual separation between an object of focus (figure) and its surrounding field (background). Ambiguous figure-ground, as in Rubin's vase, produces visual tension and dual readings.

Simultaneous contrast

The phenomenon in which a colour appears different depending on adjacent colours. A mid-grey looks darker on white and lighter on black, so colour decisions must always be tested in context.

Visual hierarchy

The arrangement of elements by perceived importance using size, contrast, position, colour and isolation. Hierarchy guides the viewer's eye through a layout in the intended order.

Golden ratio in composition

The proportion approximately 1:1.618, obtained when a line is divided so the whole relates to the larger part as that part relates to the smaller. Used for balanced, harmonious proportions.

Negative space

The unoccupied area around and between positive elements. It is an active design element that provides breathing room, defines counterforms in lettering and can itself carry meaning.

Triadic colour scheme

A harmony using three hues evenly spaced on the colour wheel, such as red, yellow and blue. It gives vivid contrast while retaining balance, and usually needs one dominant hue.

Bézier curve

A mathematically defined curve controlled by anchor points and handles. Because it is stored as geometry rather than pixels, it scales infinitely without loss of quality in vector software.

Resolution and print size

The relationship between pixel dimensions and physical output size. A 300 ppi image at 10 cm wide needs 1181 pixels; enlarging the print size at fixed pixels lowers effective resolution.

Bleed and trim marks

Bleed is artwork extended beyond the final cut line, typically 3 mm, so trimming leaves no white edge. Trim marks show the cutter where to cut; registration marks align colour separations.

PDF/X standard

A family of ISO PDF profiles for press-ready files. It embeds fonts, fixes colour space, includes bleed and output intent, and prevents the ambiguity that causes print production errors.

Design brief components

A brief states objectives, target audience, context, constraints (budget, timing, format), deliverables and evaluation criteria. A measurable brief is the precondition for judging design success.

Double diamond model

A design process model with four phases: discover and define (first diamond), then develop and deliver (second diamond). Each diamond diverges to explore, then converges to decide.

SCAMPER ideation technique

A creativity checklist that prompts idea generation by Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse. It systematically forces variations on an existing product or concept.

Prototype fidelity

The level of detail and realism of a prototype, from paper sketches to interactive mock-ups. Fidelity is chosen according to which question the test needs to answer.

Anthropometric percentiles

Statistical body-measurement distributions used in ergonomics. The 5th percentile governs reach and the 95th percentile governs clearance, so adjustable products must span both limits.

Affordance and signifier

An affordance is an action an object makes possible, such as a handle enabling pulling. A signifier is the visible cue communicating that affordance to the user.

Universal design principles

Seven principles including equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use.

Seated workstation dimensions

Standard ergonomic references: seat height 420-450 mm, desk surface 720-750 mm, and a monitor top at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck strain during prolonged seated work.

Type x-height

The height of lowercase letters without ascenders or descenders. A large x-height increases apparent size and legibility at small sizes and on screen, especially for sans-serif faces.

Kerning versus tracking

Kerning adjusts spacing between an individual pair of letters, while tracking adjusts spacing uniformly across a whole run of text. Both are distinct from leading, which sets line spacing.

Point and pica units

Typographic units: one point equals 1/72 inch, about 0.353 mm, and one pica equals 12 points. Body text is commonly set between 9 and 12 points.

Pictogram design rules

Signage pictograms need a simple silhouette, closed forms, high figure-ground contrast and consistent stroke weight across a set, so they remain readable at distance and across cultures.

Bauhaus school

A German school founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, uniting art and craft through workshops and a preliminary course. It closed in 1933 and shaped modern functionalist design.

De Stijl movement

A Dutch movement from 1917 associated with Mondrian and van Doesburg, using orthogonal lines and primary colours with black and white to express universal, non-representational order.

Swiss Style typography

An International Typographic Style of the 1950s using grid systems, asymmetric layouts, sans-serif type such as Helvetica, and objective photography to communicate clearly and neutrally.

Russian Constructivism

An avant-garde movement from around 1915 using geometric abstraction, photomontage and diagonal composition, with figures such as Rodchenko and El Lissitzky applying design to social and political aims.

Art Deco characteristics

A decorative style named after the 1925 Paris exposition, marked by geometric ornament, stylised machine and exotic motifs, luxurious materials and streamlined, stepped forms in architecture and objects.

Life-cycle assessment

A method quantifying environmental impacts across extraction, production, distribution, use and end-of-life. It prevents shifting burdens between stages and supports evidence-based eco-design decisions.

Design for disassembly

A circular-design strategy in which products are built with reversible joints and mono-materials so components can be separated, repaired and recycled rather than discarded as mixed waste.

WCAG contrast minimum

The accessibility requirement that normal text reach a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background, and large text at least 3:1, ensuring readability for low-vision users.

Dark patterns

Interface designs that manipulate users into unintended actions, such as forced continuity, hidden costs or confirmshaming. They raise ethical and, increasingly, regulatory concerns for designers.