Lesson Plan
Course Title: Graphic Design & Illustration
Session Title: Layout Design Overview
Lesson Duration: Approximately 2 days
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to apply basic layout design
principles to a design project.
Specific Objectives:
1. Define terms/vocabulary associated with the lesson.
2. Compare and contrast layout designs used for various products.
3. Design a spread for a specific publication and purpose.
4. Collaborate and work with others as a team
5. Refine designs based on evaluation and self-reflection.
6. Finalize design.
7. Evaluate designs based on specified criteria.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88 (c) (1) (A)
The student applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The student is
expected to: apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content,
technical concepts, and vocabulary; using correct grammar, punctuation, and terminology to
write and edit documents; and composing and editing copy for a variety of written documents
such as brochures, programs, posters, flyers, and magazine covers;
130.88 (c) (2) (A)
The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent such as structure and style;
130.88 (c) (7)
The student applies leadership characteristics to student leadership and professional
development activities. The student is expected to:
(A) employ leadership skills;
(B) employ teamwork and conflict management skills;
(C) conduct and participate in meetings;
130.88 (c) (11) (D) (i)
The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and illustration. The
student is expected to: conduct oral or written critiques of designs by: applying a critical method
of evaluation;
130.88 (c) (11) (F) (i)
Employ a creative design process to create original two- and three-dimensional projects by;
creating designs for defined applications;
Instructor/Trainer
References:
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
1
1. Search online sites for information regarding design layout.
2. White, Alex. 2011. The elements of graphic design: 2nd edition. Allworth Press: NY, NY.
Instructional Aids:
1. Layout Design Slide Presentation
2. Layout Design Principles Handout
3. Layout Design Rubric
Materials Needed
1. newspaper publications
2. vellum
3. pencil
4. eraser
5. ruler
6. drafting tools
Equipment Needed:
1. a projection system to display the Slide Presentation
2. computer
3. scanner
4. design software
Learner
The student will need to be able to draw a variety of subjects correctly, research and obtain
newspaper publications.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
1. Layout is the technical name given to the composition of any commercial
advertisement or illustration from posters to newspapers. A layout consists of
the arrangement of figures, objects, and text in a specific space. Layout also
imparts a graphic style, or imprint, while identifying the item with specific
design features personalized to the piece.
2. Layout serves to promote brand recognition in everything marketable from
food service businesses to publications. The specific tailoring in typefaces,
graphic placement, imagery, and design elements in the layout promote
recognition of the item.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I. Define terms associated with the lesson.
A. Emphasis:
Note: Instructors can use the
Slide presentation, in
conjunction with the following
outline.
Most design layouts contain some amount
of text. The text can be accented by using
capital letters, bold font, underlined text,
size, and by leaving plenty of "white
For class discussion, or as an
introduction into the elements
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
2
space" around the words. Note: "White
space" refers to space in a layout that
contains no designs, images, or text and
allows the eye to rest.
B. Readability:
Readability is how easy it is for the reader
to comprehend the text in a layout without
being bored or fatigued. If the layout has
high readability, then the material in it is
easy to process and even motivates the
reader’s interest.
of layout design: a persistent
trend in advertising is to
duplicate the “feel” of name
brands, from various
consumer items to
publications, has created a
market of imposters, which
incorporate an association to
the name brand to generate
revenue.
C. Balance:
There are two different types of balance:
1. Symmetrical layout is a mirror
image of like items.
2. Asymmetrical layout is a balance in
visual weight, rather than in like
items.
D. Rhythm:
The rate that the eye follows the direction
of the design is how the eye reads the
layout. The eye usually starts at the
optical center of the page, and can follow
a “Z” pattern and be affected by the
positioning of items, numbering, or
pointing devices.
E. Unity:
The final layout technique relates to how
the items on a page are arranged. Each
method of presentation gives a different
effect to the design.
II. Ask students to work in teams to compare
similar product designs, from publications to
shampoos. Have students compare and
contrast designs based on the following
elements: typography, color, and layout of
design. Choose a student leader for each
team, and rotate leadership as different
product designs are analyzed.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
3
1. Design a newspaper, fashion, or sports spread (two pages, side-by-side) for
a real publication.
2. Research and obtain a copy of the publication. Create your layout according
to the size and format of the publication. Examine the style of the
newspaper and tailor your layout design to communicate the newspaper’s
essence.
3. Group students into “teams” according to project themes to brainstorm and
share ideas for their layouts, much like a project team for a newspaper or
magazine.
4. Prepare ten (10) thumbnails of a rough design for the spread. Focus on
emphasis, unity, and balance. Choose the best one and re-work it to actual
size in a pencil rough.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Re-draw the final version and reference photographs and resources to set up the
design per the newspaper’s size specifications. Add borders where applicable.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Layout imparts a graphic style, identifies the item with specific design features
personalized to the piece, and promotes brand recognition The typeface, graphic
placement, imagery, and design elements promote recognition of the item which
imposters can capitalize on for their own profit through imitating certain qualities,
while remaining legal.
The five different layout techniques, rhythm, emphasis, balance, readability, and
unity, when incorporated successfully, can have a great impact on the design
layout.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Exchange newspaper spread designs with a partner. Review and identify the
concepts used in the layout. Write the concepts that you identified on the back of
the sheet and pass it back to its creator.
Have students do a “peer” critique either in small groups or with their partner to
discuss final project outcomes.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The teacher will use the Layout Rubric to assess students’ spread layout design.
Hold a class “debriefing” session to discuss the process that the students went
through in taking an initial design concept to a final production stage. Discuss the
advantages of collaboration and teamwork when working on a design layout
project.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
4
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Make a design layout for each of the following items. For each layout,
incorporate at least five concepts from each of the five different layout
techniques (Rhythm, Emphasis, Balance, Readability, and Unity).
 A sports camp
 A chocolate bar (60 minute minimum)
 An amusement park
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
5
Design Principles Handout
Emphasis:
Most design layouts contain some amount of text. Emphasis indicates to the viewer that text
which is most important. The text can be accented by using capital letters, bold font,
underlined text, and size, and by leaving plenty of "white space" around the words. Note:
"White space" refers to space in a layout that contains no designs, images, or text and
allows the eye to rest.
Readability:
Readability is how easy it is for the reader to comprehend the text in a layout without being
bored or fatigued. If the layout has high readability, then the material in it is easy to process
and motivates the reader’s interest.
Balance:
There are two different types of balance:
 Symmetrical layout is a mirror image of like items.
 Asymmetrical layout is a balance in visual weight, rather than like items.
Rhythm:
Rhythm is the rate that the eye follows the direction of the design is how the eye reads the
layout. The eye usually starts at the optical center of the page, and can follow a “Z” pattern
and be affected by positioning of items, numbering, or pointing devices.
Unity:
Unity relates to how the items on a page are arranged. Each method of presentation gives a
different effect to the design.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
6
Student Name:
Newspaper Spread Design Rubric
Evaluation Criteria
Rhythm:
Emphasis:
Balance:
Excellent
(13-20 pts.)
The eye moves
easily from the
layout’s optical
center to flow over
the design.
Text is accented
with capital letters,
bold font,
underlined text,
and/or large size;
"white space" is
evident around the
words.
One side of the
layout balances
the other and
the top balances
out the bottom.
Readability:
The choice of font
suits what the
design is about
and is clear to
read.
Unity:
The items on a
page are arranged
to connect and
create an effective
design.
Good
(8-12 pts.)
The flow over the
design is loose
from optical
center, and may or
may not move the
eye.
The design layout
has little, or an
ineffective amount
of, accented text.
Space may be
crowding design
elements and work
against the text.
Layout balances
are weak.
The font or fonts
suit what the
design is
representing; they
may contribute to
mixed messages
that make the
main message
unreadable within
the design.
The items on a
page are arranged
to connect weakly
and add marginal
value to the
design’s effect.
Poor
(0-7 pts.)
Score
There is no
organization to the
elements; the eye
does not move
across the design.
The design is
“gray” with no
white space and
no accented text.
There is no
balance within the
design.
The font or fonts
are unsuitable;
they do not add to
the message.
The items on a
page are not
connected and do
not add value to
the design.
Total Score
Max = 100
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Layout Design Overview
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
7