Chapter 7
1. What is texture as it applies to design?
Texture in terms of design is how the designer uses visual information to portray the physical feel of a surface. This is done because in the digital world (or even in paintings) the viewer cannot physically interact and feel the surface, so visual information must be used to help the viewer understand in more detail what is being viewed.
2. How can texture be used to show detail?
By showing the texture of an object you can allow the viewer to appreciate an object in its fullest. An example of this would be the following two images:
Both adequately portray the fact that they are guns, however the second image is goes into much more detail, thus allowing the viewer to gain a better understanding of how it might feel if help. Detail helps the viewer understand the image better, this relies on past experiences and leads into the next question.
3. How can texture be used to simulate a surface?
By using design elements that mimic surfaces found in the real world, a designer can create an image that projects a certain understanding of how the image would feel if touched. An example of this could be an online restaurant menu that is designed to look like old parchment paper. If the background is stained and wrinkly looking, the viewer can understand that even though the image is digital, if it could be touched it would feel like parchment paper.
Chapter 8
1. What is the difference between the additive and subtractive color method?
Additive color is how colors are created in the natural world, and also in digital media such as TVs and monitors. Colors are created by combining wavelengths of light. The three primary colors are red, green, and blue, with the secondary colors being yellow, cyan, and magenta.
On the other hand, the subtractive method is how things like paintings or printings are made. The paint or ink absorbs all the color but what is intend to be seen, which is reflected back to the viewer. For example, if I am seeing red ink, it is because the ink is absorbing all the other colors and reflecting back red wavelengths of light. The primary colors of the subtractive method are red, blue and yellow, with the secondary colors being purple, green, and orange.
2. Which color method is used for new media?
The additive method is used for new media because that is how things like monitors or TVs produce colors, they combine light wavelengths.
10. What is a web-safe pallet?
A web-safe pallet is one that is limited to the 216 generally accepted colors that all browsers can equally display. Using these colors helps ensure a website will have the same color scheme from system to system and browser to browser. I would imagine the need for things like are going to dwindle in the coming years as browsers and system become increasingly more sophisticated.