Applying graphic design terms to image tagging

Abstract

This paper describes key findings from research into the application of graphic design terms to the task of tagging images for later retrieval. The research was motivated by the needs of creative industries in interacting with large image collections, with particular emphasis given to the need for retrieval of imagery using loosely defined visual properties rather than exact match queries based on image subject or similarity. A set of terms chosen from design literature are presented and discussed together with experimental results from testing carried out on students and practitioners of graphic design. Ultimately the tested terms are found to be relatively well understood, though they do not appear to support a high degree of precision.