The front of the Kenpo Kard is meticulously designed to be easily recognizable and distinguishable from any other kard in the set. First, one should notice that the kard is divided into two main sections: the top and the bottom, with the top being far more intricate and the bottom being plain and simple.
By far, the most prominent element of the kard, is the bottom of the kard. This is where the name of the form is placed. It is always at the bottom and it is always isolated from the rest of the kard by a black background field.
Next, is the top portion of the kard. This is where physical and potentially conceptual themes of the form are portrayed. Also, in this portion of the kard is the signification of the form. Side (left or right) of the signification changes, based upon long or short version of the form. Short forms on the left side of the kard, long forms to the right.
Looking at the kards as a set, one will notice that the physical elements transition from being less prominent to more prominent in relation to the signification elements. This is by design. In the earlier kards the physical elements are less prominent and the signification is more prominent. But, as the forms progress, so does the transition of these elements; with the signification portion becoming less prominent and the other elements becoming more pronounced.
The combination of each of these elements in the kard's design makes for a succinct, yet artfully tasteful and visually pleasing composition. One that is distinct to the Kenpo Kards.