Welcome to my lesson on the design principle known as the rule of thirds. Coincidentally, there are three components to the lesson below: (1) an interactive video overview and instruction on the concept, (2) a movie trailer presented for your analysis, and (3) a set of flash cards to apply your knowledge of new terms.
When you complete this lesson you should be able to:
- Understand the rule of thirds and related terminology
- Recognize and analyze visual designs using the rule of thirds
- Be able to create your own effective designs using the rule of thirds
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Movie Trailer: Mary Poppins Returns (w/Rule of Thirds Overlay & Pop-Ups)
Practice Key Terms:
Well done!
Now that you’ve spent some time understanding the rule of thirds, analyzing the movie trailer, and applying your knowledge of the key terms, you should be well on your way to improving your own designs using the rule of thirds. Get out there and create!
This lesson was created for IDT 9001 Design Principles for Instructional Design and Performance Technology
References:
DeLuca, J. (Producer), & Marshall, R. (Director). (2018). Mary Poppins Returns [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Hagen, R., & Golombisky, K. (2017). White space is not your enemy: A beginners guide to communicating visually through graphic, web & multimedia design. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, CRC Press is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.
Legaspi, C. (2018, May 22). How to use the rule of thirds in art. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://www.creativebloq.com/art/how-use-rule-thirds-art-21619159
Lidwell, W., Holden, K., Butler, J., & Elam, K. (2010). Universal principles of design: 125 ways to enhance usability, influence perception, increase appeal, make better design decisions, and teach through design. Beverly, MA: Rockport , an imprint of the Quarto Group.
Mize, D. (2014, February 25). The Rule of Thirds: Why it Works and How to Use it in Your Art. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://emptyeasel.com/2009/02/03/the-rule-of-thirds-why-it-works-and-how-to-use-it-in-your-art/
Shovava, & Shovova. (2017, November 09). Quick Guide to the Rule of Thirds for Artists and Photographers. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://mymodernmet.com/rule-of-thirds-definition/
Storyblocks. (2018, December 20). Design Theory: The Rule of Thirds — Create with Storyblocks. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://blog.storyblocks.com/tutorials/design-theory-rule-thirds/
Shovava, & Shovova. (2017, November 09). Quick Guide to the Rule of Thirds for Artists and Photographers. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://mymodernmet.com/rule-of-thirds-definition/
Zettl, H. (2014). Sight sound motion: Applied media aesthetics. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.