Basics Design: Design Thinking

Other numerical methods can also be employed to inform the placement

of design elements and so maximise their impact.

Fibonacci numbers

A numerical series whereby each number is the sum of the preceding

two numbers in the sequence. Fibonacci numbers are named after the

mathematician Fibonacci, or Leonardo of Pisa, who observed this sequence

in the proportions of the natural world such as shell growth. Numbers from the

Fibonacci sequence are used in art, architecture and design as they provide a

ready source of dimensions that produce harmonious proportions. The number

sequence is shown below.

Renard numbers

French army engineer Colonel Charles Renard devised a system of preferred

numbers in the 1870s for use with the metric system, initially to simplify the

production of airship cables. The Renard system is based on dividing the interval

from 1 to 10 into 5, 10, 20, or 40 steps. The most basic Renard series is the R5

series, which consists of five rounded numbers: 1.00, 1.60, 2.50, 4.00 and 6.30.

This offers a controlled approach to space division and produces a balanced

design while allowing a degree of dynamic randomness as the proportions of

the stripes are largely chosen by ‘eye’.

12 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89 144

Thinking in proportions

Design Thinking

Refinement

Leonardo of Pisa

Mathematician Leonardo of Pisa (1180s–1250) or Leonardo Fibonacci developed a number sequence based

on the 8:13 ratio of natural proportions. His findings were published in Liber Abaci, a book that helped spread

Hindu-Arabic numeral use in Europe.

Charles Renard

A French military engineer, Charles Renard (1847–1905) developed the first dirigible, an airship that could be

steered in any direction, in the 1880s. His system of preferred numbers, developed for use with the metric

system, was accepted as international standard ISO 3.

10 16 25 40 63 100

MY U

CK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK While every effort has been taken to carry out instruction to customers satisfactionNO RESPONSIBILITY liability will be accepted for errorsCUSTOMERS ARE THEREFORE URGED TO CHECK THOROUGHLY BEFORE

HTS

DALIMHE-DTP^1

Title: Basic Design-Thinking

Client: QPL Size: 160mmx230mm

black text