Studio 9 - Blog 8 - CRAP

Blog 8 - CRAP

2. CRAP - Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity

Contrast
– make different things different
– brings out dominant elements
– mutes lesser elements
– creates dynamism

Repetition
– repeat design throughout the interface
– consistency
– creates unity

Alignment
– visually connects elements
– creates a visual flow

Proximity
– groups related elements
– separates unrelated ones

CRAP is mostly talked about in graphic design. This is particularly important for websites. People can make judgements on web sites within seconds of visiting them. If things look messy, unorganised or unproffessional, they may leave straight away.

CRAP also makes it easier for users to see what it important on pages. The list above shows what elements pages need to have to make them 'user friendly'. Contrast makes the more important things stand out, repetition makes things easier to idnetify, alignment creates a 'visual flow' and generally makes things easier to look at and proximity also makes the page easier to look at, makes things easier to find and gives the page a better 'flow'.




3. CRAP has quite a lot of reference to pervasive computing. When perople are using new devices they need to know what is what clearly. CRAP is mostly used in graphical design, which also relates a lot to pevasive computing, since things such as web pages and other things are used within pervasive devices. Pervasive devics also need a good, useable layout which users would not find frustrating.

The lists below show how the elements of CRAP relate to pervasiven computing.


Contrast

- People need to know what does what, if different things look diffrent, user will asume they do different things

-Can emphasise certain parts of products.

-Puts less emphasis on things users do not need to concentrate on

Repetition

- If there is more than one of a pervasive product, or there mulitple things to do with one product, each part needs to be like others, so the user will be more likely to know how to use it.

- The layout and design should be consistent throughout a device

Alignment

- Can make devices easy to use, and easy to look out.

- If there are tables or other things displayed on a product, they are easier to read if they are all alligned.

Proximity

- Can make new devices easier to navigate through