NCEA L1 DVC flashcards

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

Design elements

The basic visual components used to build any composition: line, shape, form, tone, colour, texture, space and pattern. They are the raw materials a designer manipulates.

Design principles

Rules describing how elements are arranged for effect: balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, proportion, scale and unity. They explain why a composition works or fails.

Symmetrical balance

A composition where visual mass is mirrored about a central axis, so one half reflects the other. It reads as stable, formal and ordered, and suits traditional or ceremonial products.

Asymmetrical balance

Balance achieved with unequal elements, where large plain areas are offset by small dense or dark areas. It reads as dynamic and modern but requires careful judgement of visual weight.

Radial balance

Elements arranged around and radiating from a central point, as in a wheel or flower. It creates strong focal emphasis at the centre and works well for logos and circular layouts.

Emphasis / focal point

The feature that first draws the viewer's eye, created by contrast in size, tone, colour, position or isolation. A design without emphasis leaves the viewer unsure where to look.

Contrast

The degree of difference between adjacent elements in tone, colour, size or texture. Strong contrast aids legibility and hierarchy; weak contrast produces flat, hard-to-read work.

Visual hierarchy

The ordered ranking of information by size, weight, colour and placement so the viewer reads the most important message first. It guides the eye through a layout in a planned sequence.

Design brief

A statement of the problem: what is needed, who it is for, and the constraints and opportunities. It sets direction but is broader and less measurable than a specification.

Specification

A list of specific, testable requirements the outcome must satisfy, such as dimensions, materials, cost limits or safety standards. Specifications are used to evaluate the final design.

Concept sketch

A quick, loose drawing exploring possible ideas, usually annotated with notes about materials, function or detail. Its purpose is breadth of thinking, not accuracy or scale.

Working drawing

A precise drawing, drawn to scale, giving dimensions, materials and construction detail so the item can be made. It is a communication document for manufacture, not an exploration tool.

Annotation

Written notes placed on or beside a drawing to explain decisions, materials, function or next steps. Annotation turns a drawing into evidence of design thinking.

Iterative development

Refining a concept through repeated cycles of sketching, testing and modification, with each version building on the last. Evidence shows change and the reason for each change.

Mock-up / model

A physical or digital three-dimensional test of a design, made to check form, proportion, ergonomics or fit. It reveals problems that two-dimensional drawings hide.

Ergonomics

The study of how people interact physically with products, covering reach, grip, posture and comfort. Anthropometric data such as hand span informs sizes and shapes.

Anthropometrics

The measurement of human body dimensions and ranges, used to size products so they fit the intended user group. Data is usually given as percentiles, not single averages.

Oblique projection

A pictorial drawing where the front face is drawn true shape and depth lines run at 45°, often halved. It shows the front face without distortion but distorts depth.

Isometric drawing

A pictorial drawing on three axes 120° apart, all at the same scale. Vertical edges stay vertical, and circles appear as ellipses because no face is seen true shape.

Orthographic projection

A method of showing a three-dimensional object as separate two-dimensional views, usually front, top and side, arranged in a fixed layout. Dimensions are added for manufacture.

First-angle projection

An orthographic layout where the object sits between viewer and plane: the top view is placed below the front view and the left side view on the right.

Third-angle projection

An orthographic layout where the plane sits between viewer and object: the top view is placed above the front view and the right side view on the right.

Plan view

The view of an object or space seen from directly above, showing layout and footprint. In building drawings it is the key view for room arrangement and circulation.

Elevation

A view of an object or building seen from the side or front, showing heights and vertical relationships but not depth. Elevations are paired with plans.

Section view

A view produced by imagining the object cut open, revealing internal structure and hidden detail. Cut surfaces are shown hatched or shaded to distinguish solid material.

Scale ratio

The relationship between drawing size and real size, written as drawing:reality. A 1:20 scale means one unit on paper represents twenty units in reality.

Scale bar

A graduated line marked with real-world lengths, drawn on the sheet. Unlike a written ratio, it stays accurate if the drawing is enlarged or reduced.

Line weights

Deliberate variation in line thickness to show importance: outlines heavy, hidden detail dashed, dimension and construction lines light. Consistent weights make drawings readable.

Hidden detail line

A dashed line type used in orthographic views to show edges not visible from that view. Overuse is avoided because it clutters the drawing.

Centre line

A chain line of long and short dashes marking axes of symmetry, centres of circles and hole positions. It is a construction reference, not a visible edge.

Dimension line

A thin line with arrowheads at each end, placed outside the object, carrying the measurement. Extension lines run from the object to the dimension line without touching it.

Pictorial drawing

Any drawing that shows three dimensions in one view, such as isometric, oblique or perspective. Pictorials communicate appearance; orthographic drawings communicate precise size.