Pattern

C O N S I D E R:

Composed

Regular

Repetitious

Formal

Design

Arranged in a regular or formal manner

Marking

Configuration

Special use

Arrangement

Style

Model

Form

Manner

Mode

Instance

Sample

Specimen

Characteristic

Behavior

Qualities

Original

Model

Imitation

Established path

Guide

Fashion

Example

Patterns of Gradation
In a gradation design, two factors are of importance in pattern construction: the range of gradation, and the direction of movement.

The range of gradation is marked by a starting situation and a terminating situation. In some cases, where the path of gradation is not straightforward but roundabout, intermediate situations should be taken into account. The number of steps between the starting and the terminating situations determines both the speed and the breadth of the range of gradation.

The direction of movement refers to the orientations of the starting and the terminating situations and their interrelationship. The unit forms of the starting situation can all be lined up in a row and proceed lengthwise, breadthwise, or both, with regular steps towards the terminating situation. Diagonal or other ways of progression are also possible.

Some typical movement patterns in gradation are:
Parallel Movement. This is the simplest. Unit forms are transformed gradually in parallel steps. In parallel movement, the climax is usually a straight line.

Concentric Movement. This means that the unit forms are transformed in concentric layers. If the starting situation is at a corner of the design, then the pattern is only partially concentric. In concentric movement, the climax may be a point, a square or a cross.

Zigzag Movement. This means that the unit forms of the same step are arranged in a zigzag manner and are transformed at equal speed.

. . . . small standardized gradation patterns may be repeated and arranged to form a bigger pattern of gradation. . . . . gradation can proceed from the starting situation to the terminating situation and then back to the starting situation with the reversal of the steps... repeated and repeated if necessary, with smooth transitions...... 123451234512345 [Wong, Wucius. Principals of Two-Dimensional Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1972.]

[Wong, Wucius. Principals of Two-Dimensional Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1972.]

Patterns of Light and Shadow Most objects in the environment are lighted in ways that create clear patterns of light and shadow. Copying such patterns of light and shadow can give a two dimensional design a three-dimensional appearance. [Coon, Dennis. Introduction to Psychology, Exploration and Application. St. Paul: West Publishing Company, 1989. See chapter on Perceiving]

R  E  F  E  R  E  N  C  E  S 

2 Pattern vt [ca. 1586] 1dial chiefly Eng a: Match b: Imitate 2: to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern 3: to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design -vi: to form a pattern

[Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition. Springfield, MA, USA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1995.]

Pattern 1. design, esp. for decorating a surface, composed of a number of elements or objects arranged in a regular or formal manner. 2. any marking, configuration, or arrangement that suggests such a design: patterns of frost on the window. 3. a distinctive style, model, or form: a new pattern of army rifle. 4. a mode of behavior or combination of acts, qualities, etc., regarded as characteristic of persons or things. 5. an original or model considered for or deserving of imitation. 6. anything designed to serve as a model or guide. 7. the path of flight established for an aircraft approaching an airport at which it is to land. 8. an example, instance, sample, or specimen. -v.t. 9. to make or fashion after or according to a pattern. 10. to cover or mark with a pattern [ME patron < ML patrón[us] model, special use of L patrónus Patron] -Syn. 1. figure. 3. kind, sort. 5. example. 9. copy, imitate.