Design Elements: Form and Space

Design Elements: Form and Space provides students with an aesthetic understanding of form in the context of ordering space. The book employs a highly academic approach in providing readers with objective criteria to effectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a composition. Students learn the principles of spatial forces, visual aesthetics, color structure, spatial structure, and ordering strategy.



The text presents spatial organization as a visual language in which the graphic elements of point, line, plane, and volume, along with their visual attributes, form its structure. Through this lens, the book discusses the logic of placement, grouping, alignment, visual flow, and divisions of space, as well as color harmonies. Students are provided with progressive visual demonstrations of these concepts from basic concept layouts to attractive, complex compositions.



The second edition features new images and illustrations, as well as updated content to ensure the text is timely and relevant.



Serving as a practical example of the very concepts and principles it teaches, Design Elements is an exceptional resource for students of graphic design and an enduring reference book for professionals in the discipline.

Dennis M. Puhalla, Ph.D. is a professor of design at the University of Cincinnati in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in visual language design, color theory, and visual aesthetics. Professor Puhalla served as director of the School of Design for ten years, initiating innovative and visionary programs. He earned a Ph.D. in information design from the North Carolina State University College of Design. He holds a M.F.A. and B.S. in design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Puhalla’s professional work has been exhibited nationally and is included in public and private collections.