T1-L03: Principles of Design & Characteristics

Name:

Class:

Date:

Folio: pp. 10–12

Outcomes: TE4-PDP-01 TE4-DES-01 Folio pp. 10–12

Learning Intention

We are learning about the 7 principles of design and how to analyse a product’s aesthetics, function, and purpose.

Success Criteria

I can name and describe the 7 principles of design
I can explain the difference between aesthetics, function, and purpose
I can analyse a product using all three characteristics
I can identify the target market for a designed product

✎

Do Now

Quick review — name 3 of the 7 elements of design from last lesson.

#	Element	One word to describe it
1
2
3

📚

Key Vocabulary

Standard: Fill in the definition. | Support: Definitions shown in grey — read and copy into your folio. | Extension: Use each term in a sentence.

Term	Definition	Use in a sentence (Extension)
Principle	A rule or guideline for how to arrange elements of design
Balance	Even distribution of visual weight in a design
Contrast	The difference between two elements (e.g. light vs dark, big vs small)
Unity	When all parts of a design work together as a whole
Aesthetics	How something looks; its visual appeal
Function	What something does; how it works and performs its job
Purpose	The reason something was designed; the problem it solves
Target Market	The group of people a product is designed for

🎨

The 7 Principles of Design (Folio p. 10)

For each principle, write a real-world example from your everyday life.

Principle	What it means	Your example
Balance	Even distribution of visual weight
Unity	All parts work together harmoniously
Proportion	Size relationships between parts
Contrast	Differences that create visual interest
Emphasis	A focal point that draws attention
Movement	Guiding the eye through a design
Rhythm	Repeating elements to create pattern

⏱

Activity: Clock & Watch Analysis (Folio pp. 11–12)

Analyse 3 different watches or clocks. For each, describe the aesthetics, function, and target market.

Watch/Clock	Aesthetics (How it looks)	Function (What it does)	Target Market (Who is it for?)

🔵 Support — Sentence Starters for Analysis

“This product looks… because…”
“Its main function is to…”
“The target market is… because…”
“I can see the principle of [balance/contrast/etc.] because…”

Word Bank

balanceunityproportioncontrast emphasismovementrhythmaesthetics functionpurposetarget market

🟠 Extension — Product Comparison

Compare two products designed for different target markets (e.g. a kids’ phone case vs a business phone case). How do aesthetics, function, and purpose differ?

Product 1:

Product 2:

🎫

Exit Ticket — Reflection

1. Name 3 of the 7 principles of design and give one example of each.

2. What is the difference between aesthetics and function? Use an example.

3. Who is the target market for a sports watch? How do you know?

✅

Self-Assessment

Success Criteria	Got it 🟢	Nearly there 🟠	Need help 🔴
I can name and describe the 7 principles of design	●	●	●
I can explain the difference between aesthetics, function, and purpose	●	●	●
I can analyse a product using all three characteristics	●	●	●
I can identify the target market for a designed product	●	●	●