Introducing Capsules

Capsules pattern design started as an illustration rather than a pattern. I kept going back to the design, wondering how I could create a pattern repeat that was hard to spot.

Pattern Repeat Experiments

Starting with 14 capsules in various colours, I experimented flipping and rotating the design. The problem I found was that reflected and rotated designs were practically impossible to navigate. Giving me no idea where I needed to alter to make the design work.

Numbering The Capsules

Creating a simple numbering system seemed to be the only way to see what was going on. Adding an underline to the numbers I could tell which were which. Using distinct colours also made the design process easier, although still very time-consuming to make the pattern work.

Overlapping The Capsules

I found overlapping some of the capsules also made the pattern my dynamic too

Final Design

Using a group of 12 of the 14 original capsules; they are duplicated, then reflected on the Y axis this is repeated four times. The complete row is then duplicated and reflected on the X axis another four times. Creating the complete design.

Colouring The Design

Narrowing down the number of colours used simplified the design and making it more graphic. I experimented using different coloured backgrounds too, but found a limited colour palette more appealing.