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Basic Design Principles
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Basic design principles are used to organize or position
the structural elements of design. These principles
are the fundamental concepts that will assist you to
communicate the key theme of your composition. As such
they can be applied to each element of your design
or to your composition as a whole.
It is necessary to develop a visual awareness to identify how these principles
are used in the composition of every day design. In:
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illustrations |
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photographs |
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animations |
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websites |
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billboards, and |
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posters |
Developing a visual awareness will give you the skills necessary to critically
analyze and constructively criticize the design work you engage in. This
will allow you to develop a method of solving graphic problems in reference
to the following basic principles of design.
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Proximity |
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The basic theory of proximity is concerned with the arrangement or categorisation
of elements that relate to one another. To understand why, when elements
of a similar nature are grouped together the information becomes a visual
unit. This provides a viewer with a visual clue as to the concept you are
communicating rather than being confronted with a scattering of unrelated
graphical elements. When a number of graphic elements are close in proximity
a relationship is implied. If elements are logically positioned they connect
to form a structure to your design, this is also known as Visual Hierarchy.
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example
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Visual
Hierarchy |
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Visual Hierarchy arranges elements to create focal points by positioning
their priority within a concept as a whole. To do this you will need to
ask yourself what the key elements of your design are, which graphics communicate
your concept most strongly? Which graphics support your concept and how
could you illustrate them to create a visual structure from most to least
important? You may consider displaying your graphics using different sizes
and colours to give them visual weight.
Visual weight refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements
in a design. This gives meaning to the relationship between objects, or parts,
of a whole. Scale is used to create the contrasting relationship of size
between elements in a composition.
Study your design concept and take note of what attracts your eye first,
where do you look next and how does your eye move around the visual elements
of your design? Is a relationship implied in the ordering, grouping and placements
of your graphical elements?
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example
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Symmetry
/ Asymmetry |
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The principle of alignment focuses on the placement of graphical elements
and their relationship to each other and as a whole. Following the principle
of proximity, alignment allows a visual connection with elements in your
design to be formed even if they are not close in proximity. Alignment
helps to create unity and balance.
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium. It is the combination of opposing
elements in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful
compositions achieve balance using symmetry or asymmetry.
Symmetry refers to the organisation of elements in which a balanced visual
hierarchy is achieved through the alignment of graphics along a horizontal
or vertical axis. This means that your design can be reflected precisely
over a central axis like a mirrored image.
In contrast, design elements that display an unbalanced visual weighting
that are made up of elements differing in size, colour and shape are organized
and positioned against one another to create asymmetry.
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example
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Repetition |
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Repetitive elements throughout a design piece can be used to enhance and
clarify information. Repetition adds visual interest to your design, and
helps to identify elements that belong together. It can be considered a
way of adding consistency to your design.
The consistent repetition of graphic elements works to create visual unity.
These elements can be as simple as colour, spatial relationships, a shape,
a texture or a typeface. Sometimes repetitive elements are not identical
in appearance but are in fact so similar that their connection is clear.
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example
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Unity |
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Unity is the underlying principle that sums up all of the principles and
elements of design . Unity refers to the combination of all elements successfully
working together to achieve a sense of harmony in your design. This can
be achieved through the consistent use of graphic elements. Using repetition
or patterns is one of the most basic factors in creating a strong sense
of unity.
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example
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Contrast |
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An effective use of contrast enables you to add interest to your design by
highlighting specific graphic elements. This will result in a more visually
striking composition. To achieve this 'contrast' is employed as a means
of creating a visual hierarchy among different graphic elements. It can
be applied to graphic elements, as light, dark, warm, cool, large, small;
etc.
Contrast is most effective when it is strong; the focal point of a design
is usually a result of contrast where the eyes will naturally be drawn. Here
contrast can be used to direct the focus of a composition. When used as a
device to emphasize or highlight design elements it is important to remember
that an ineffective use of contrast may result in confusion.
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example
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Dynamics |
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Dynamics is the arrangement of visual elements in a composition to suggest
the illusion of movement or direction. The effective use of dynamics in
a design can add an emotive characteristic to your design making it appear
restful and calming or active and energetic.
Dynamics can exist in four basic forms:
Rhythmic: |
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A steady rhythm that creates predictability and order
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Arrhythmic: |
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Follows an unstructured rhythm to add visual interest to a composition. |
Random: |
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Without a structured approach or a defined order that creates spontaneity
in a composition. |
Directional: |
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The use of graphic elements used in such as way that implies a visual
connection to lead the eyes to move in a particular direction. |
Creating a dynamic composition involves the use of patterns or the repetition
of graphic elements and movement to be effective in its execution. The suggestion
of motion by the use of repeated structures creates dynamics.
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example
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Emphasis |
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Emphasis refers to the focal point or centre of interest of a composition.
This is an area that is visually dominant and eye-catching that a designer
has emphasized through the clever placement of graphic elements.
Used effectively in combination with the principle of visual hierarchy 'emphasis'
can assist to establish a primary focus and an alternative secondary emphases
in another area of the composition.
Emphasis can be achieved by use of repetition to highlight and draw attention
to a repetitive element. When used with 'repetition' the emphasis is usually
a break in the basic structure or visual rhythm of a pattern that causes
your eye to pause or focus on a particular element.
Contrast achieves emphasis by accentuating an area to visually separate one
element from another. Contrast in color, texture, scale, or shape attracts
attention to a definite area, which may consist of strategically positioned
graphics to call attention to a single element of your design.
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example
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