The DQs aid in developing analytical and written communication skills, both important in the marketplace. To that end, it helps to view some previous DQ answers to get a feel for expectations.
See below - this would be an example of a robust and comprehensive answer to this kind of DQ - note that this student example is about balance, but I would expect a similar response in terms of length for our w4 DQ -
Let me know if you have any questions (:
Sarah:
"Balance is the basic way of comparing two sides of an image to each other. Within the basic definition of balance, is two more specific types of balance. There is formal balance, or symmetrical, and informal balance, or asymmetrical. Formal balance means that both sides of an image are not only equal in visual weight, but most commonly are mirrored images of each other. An example of this would be to take black paint and paint a design on one half of a piece of paper. With the paint still being wet, fold the piece of paper in half to place the painted image on the other side of the paper. This would create an exact duplicate of the original image. This exact duplication of an image is considered formal balance. Both sides of the paper are now symmetrical.
Informal balance, or asymmetrical, is not a mirror image. Informal balance means that both sides of an image have the same visual weight, but not the same elements. For example, if a picture were to have a tree on one side and a person sitting on a bench on the other side, the image would be informally balanced because there is equal visual weight on each side of the image. Informal balance can be created a few different ways. A drawing could be considered informally balanced if there were two large, but different, objects on each side of an image. However, an image can also be informal ling balanced by placing a large object on one side of an image, and supporting it by using several small objects on the other side.
Balance is important. It plays a big role how are objects are viewed by an audience. In graphic design, where clients have different tastes, styles, and preferences, it is important to know when formal balance would be appropriate for a design, and when informal balance would be appropriate. If I had a young client, or a client that had a younger following, I would mostly likely use an informal balance. Because elements do not have to be repeated in an informally balanced design, such balance will give the audience/client a feeling of creativity and often a sense of “organized chaos.” Such designs tend to be attractive to younger audiences because the design is out-of-the-box. It is unconventional, and therefore unique. These qualities draw in younger viewers and can also attract a variety of age-groups interested in the same things.
If I were to create a design for a traditional company or client, I would use formal balance. Viewers will inevitably look for unity and balance in a composition. Due to the fact that elements in a formally balanced design are repeated, it tends to give the viewing audience a sense of stability. Formal designs are often calm, and, in a sense, are predictable because the elements repeat. This gives a traditional audience a sense of stability and allows them to anticipate what would happen next.
References: Online Lectures Saw, James. Design Notes. 2000. 15 May 2008. <http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/contents.html>."