Dog Ears

1st edition — by Patrick McNeil — Oct. 2, 2006

Editions:

1 2

The Design Element

This is a rather simple design element. Obviously it attempts to create the appearance that the page is actually a piece of paper curling up on the edges. The question I would ask is why? Not because I think it is bad, but because if you don't have an answer then you shouldn't use it. If you have a good reason why this element is useful for your design then go for it. Other wise find something that serves to reinforce your design instead of just providing a bit of fluff.

Note: I know a few of the links are broken or have changed. But the enlarged screenshots still show what the element looked like. So if you need to use this element you should find plenty of inspiration here!

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Sample Usage

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Comments

Danny Halarewich

2/17/2007 12:23:39 PM

Why does DesignMeltdown have paint drop marks in the background? Why does the footer have diagonal lines? Why does anything have color, black and white is great!?

Design effects add depth and create theme. As colors do, they aid in the assimilation of messages by adding interest and creating an identity.

So, again, why are there paint drip marks in the background of this site, or diagonal lines in the header & footer? What purpose does it serve?

Patrick

2/17/2007 12:57:31 PM

Good questions Danny! The drips are easy; they connect with the idea of a Meltdown. I didnīt run wild with the theme of melting stuff, but I certainly considered it.

The stripes are a bit tougher though. I need an extra level of style and visual interest to the design. So perhaps I donīt have the greatest of purpose in using the element. But it serves its pupose all the same.

So I suppose your point is that my comment may have been a bit over the top. Certainly designers (myself included) use elements for less then the most thought out purposes at times. In spite of this, I think it is always good to think that way and avoiding being thoughtless all together. So if you head that way, you might wander a bit, but overall you will stay on track.

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