Graphic Design & Visual Communication Flashcards

What does 'DPI' stand for and why does it matter for print design?

Answer: Dots Per Inch — determines print image resolution and sharpness

DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures how many ink dots a printer places per inch; 300 DPI is the standard for sharp, professional print output.

Which design principle involves grouping related items together to create organization and reduce visual clutter?

Answer: Proximity

Proximity means placing related elements close together so viewers perceive them as a group, reducing cognitive effort needed to understand the layout.

A designer is choosing between a warm color palette and a cool color palette for a healthcare brand. What emotional association do cool colors typically evoke?

Answer: Calm, trust, and professionalism

Cool colors like blue and green are psychologically associated with calmness, trust, and reliability — common goals for healthcare branding.

In print layout, the 'gutter' refers to which area?

Answer: The inner margin where two pages meet in a spread

The gutter is the inner margin between two facing pages in a spread, and must be wide enough so content isn't hidden in the binding.

Which of the following file formats supports lossless compression while also allowing transparency?

Answer: PNG

PNG uses lossless compression and supports an alpha channel for transparency, making it versatile for web graphics that must remain sharp.

What is the role of a 'grid system' in graphic design?

Answer: To provide a structural framework for organizing layout elements consistently

A grid system divides the canvas into columns, rows, and gutters that serve as guides, ensuring consistent and harmonious placement of elements.

Which term describes the overall consistency of visual elements across a design that makes it feel cohesive and complete?

Answer: Unity

Unity is the design principle that ties all elements together through consistent use of color, shape, style, and typography so the composition feels whole.