1. Visual Energy & Motion

Low Visual Energy
A calm, controlled background with very subtle or nearly static motion. Large areas of negative space. Soft gradients or restrained textures. Any movement is slow, deliberate, and barely noticeable. Feels quiet, precise, and unobtrusive.

High Visual Energy
A background with clearly visible motion. Abstract shapes, light patterns, or visual elements move across the screen at a noticeable pace. The design feels active and engaging, adding momentum without appearing chaotic or uncontrolled.

2. Visual Clarity vs. Visual Density

Clear & Focused
A background with a small number of well-defined visual elements. Strong hierarchy and structure. No overlapping shapes. Immediately readable from anywhere in the room. Every element feels intentional and purposeful.

Dense & Information-Rich
A background with multiple-layered elements, patterns, or systems. Increased visual depth and detail. The design feels sophisticated and intentional, with complexity that suggests richness rather than clutter.

3. Tone: Restraint vs. Confident Purpose

Restrained & Formal
A visually reserved background. Muted colors, simple geometry, and conservative design choices. Feels formal, authoritative, and institutionally grounded.

Active & Confident
A background that shows clear design intent and confidence. Strong but controlled shapes and compositions. Feels deliberate, capable, and serious through strength rather than minimalism.

4. Color Intensity

Muted / Restrained Color
A palette of subdued, desaturated tones, such as blues, grays, and softened colors. Calm and controlled. Designed not to draw attention away from speakers.

Bold / Saturated Color
A palette using brighter, more saturated colors with stronger contrast. Colors feel vivid and intentional, clearly visible at scale and contributing energy to the room.

5. Literal vs. Abstract Imagery

Literal / Representational
Imagery that clearly depicts real-world subjects or environments. Immediately recognizable and easy to understand without interpretation.

Abstract / Conceptual
Imagery composed of shapes, patterns, or motion that does not directly represent real-world objects. Feels symbolic, atmospheric, or system-based rather than illustrative.

6. Background Presence During Speakers

Subtle & Receding
A background that remains visually secondary. Low contrast, minimal motion, and restrained detail. The speaker is clearly the dominant focus at all times.

Visually Present & Supportive
A background that maintains a clear visual presence through composition, contrast, or controlled motion. Actively supports the stage environment without overpowering the speaker.

7. Overall Style Direction

Traditional & Familiar
A conventional conference design style. Familiar layouts and standard graphic treatments. Feels safe, proven, and aligned with long-standing expectations.

Contemporary & Forward-Looking
A modern, intentional design approach. Clean but progressive. Reflects current technology, systems thinking, and a forward-looking perspective without feeling experimental.