Top 33 Disproven List of Graphic Design Principles Indian Designers Really Need to Abandon

The Time Has Come to Rethink Graphic Design: Abandoning Outdated Principles

Graphic design is a dynamic field, changing and evolving with new trends, technologies, and consumer preferences. However, certain principles that were once considered fundamental have gradually become outdated and less effective. At Cpluz, a leading design agency based in India with over 28 years of experience, we understand the importance of adapting these principles to meet the demands of modern design and consumer interaction. Here, we'll examine 33 disproven graphic design principles that Indian designers should consider abandoning for more innovative approaches.

No. 1-5: Clutter and Over-Design

Inflammation of design elements often results from trying to over-impress or show off one's skills. This not only leads to visual overload for the viewer but also distracts from the core message of the design. Indian designers should remember, less is often more in today's digital age.

• Over-reliance on fancy fonts and complex layouts shouldn't be the focus, clarity of the message should be.
• Multi-level designs are known to be a point of contention, especially when used for typography.
• Avoid designer's disease, the urge to add every possible animation or transition to a design.
• Introduction of too many patterns and textures, disrupting the fluidity of the interface.
• Eliminating unnecessary design elements to refine and simplify the overall look.

No. 6-10: Color Usage and Selection

The way we perceive and respond to different colors has evolved, and so should our approach to color usage. Designers should break away from these disproven principles:

• Confusing symbolism in color, taking into consideration the diverse cultural meanings and perceptions.
• Excessive use of bright and vibrant colors in corporate brand designs.
• Utilizing the same shades and hues in every brand identity without variation and creativity.
• Refusing to acknowledge the impact of dark mode on color perception and functionality.

Disproved Opinions on Typography

Typos and misinformation have influenced some well-known principles in graphic design, some being:

• The need for a specific font and size, neglecting readability, and legibility.
• Using different fonts in the same composition solely based on personal preference.
• Justifying text to the right, which often results in poor readability, especially on smaller displays.
• Ignoring web font technology, and the tool limitations they come with.

No. 16-25:Image Composition

It's crucial to revisit these compositional myths:

• Applying rules-of-thirds via slapdash placement.
• Oversimplification of the rule of 'facing directly to the camera' in photos.
• Reference to an equilateral or golden triangle, as opposed to an actual triangle created by structural elements.
• Rule of leading lines, guidelines considering the incorrect assumption that all paths and lines will guide the viewer.
• Fisheye lens, creating distorted points of view in portfolios and LWIs.
• Whitespacing being seen as dirty or something that should be avoided at all costs.
• Avoidance of curvilinear forms, artisanal compositions having asymmetry.
• Belittling low-poly art and its aesthetic limitations.
• Presuming the paramount importance of edge symmetry.
• Sphere is the easiest sphere in photography as an image composition rule factor.

No. 26-33:Additional Conventions

Ten more outdated conventions surrounding design include:

• Indoctrinization on corporate design methodologies would be insufficient.
• Applying context-specific curation to artisans and related creatives only.
• Assigning intelligence and decision capacity solely based on the text.
• Highlighting hierarchy through guidelines, using visuals, type sizes, colors, etc.
• Diagonal layout, primarily associated with Western composition needs.
• C.R.A.F.T equals included mass plots as planned borders of texture or alerts signs.
• Strive Braincircles, failing to provide a basic satisfaction curve.
• Hunting curves to uncover initial design opportunities.
• Classifying artistic skills or techniques based on information strategy only.

Conclusion

Indian graphic designers, it's time to revisit our design principles and incorporate fresh perspectives to level up our craft. The principles outlined above were once considered fundamental but now often result in outdated and less effective design choices. Our conclusion is that breaking away from these disproven principles will enable designers to create more meaningful, innovative, and impactful designs that cater to the evolving demands of consumers in the modern digital landscape.

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