Group items tagged

the basic tenets of design into two categories: principles and elements

the principles of design are the overarching truths of the profession

the elements of design are the components of design themselves, the objects to be arranged.

principles

Balance Rhythm Proportion Dominance Unity

Balance is an equilibrium

visual weight within a composition

Symmetrical balance

When symmetry occurs with similar, but not identical, forms it is called approximate symmetry

Symmetrical balance is also known as formal balance.

ntral axis.

Asymmetrical balance

tend to have a greater sense of visual tension. Asymmetrical balance is also known as informal balance.

Rhythm is the repetition or alternation of elements

Regular

Flowing

Progressive

three stages of dominance

Proportion is the comparison of dimensions or distribution of forms.

Dominance relates to varying degrees of emphasis in design

visual weight

relationship in scale between one element and another,

Dominant

Sub-dominant

Subordinate

unity describes the relationship between the individual parts and the whole of a composition

Gestalt theories of visual perception and psychology, specifically those dealing with how the human brain organizes visual information into categories, or groups

Closure is the idea that the brain tends to fill in missing information when it perceives an object is missing some of its pieces.

Continuance is the idea that once you begin looking in one direction, you will continue to do so until something more significant catches your attention

Items of similar size, shape and color tend to be grouped together by the brain, and a semantic relationship between the items is formed.

In addition, items in close proximity to or aligned with one another tend to be grouped in a similar way.

Contrast addresses the notion of dynamic tensionÔthe degree of conflict that exists within a given design between the visual elements in the composition.

The objects in the environment represent the positive space, and the environment itself is the negative space.

The rule of thirds is a compositional tool that makes use of the notion that the most interesting compositions are those in which the primary element is off center.

The visual center of any page is just slightly above and to the right of the actual (mathematical) center.

sometimes referred to as museum height.

The principles of design are the guiding truths of our profession, the basic concepts of balance, rhythm, proportion, dominance and unity. Successful use of these core ideas insures a solid foundation upon which any design can thrive.