Principles of Design

Principles of Design 3rd Period

By: Shawn Rigdon

1. BALANCE

Balance is a distribution of equal visual weight of objects,
color, texture, and space.

Types of Balances: Asymmetrical and Symmetrical

Symmetrical refers to balance that is achieved by arranging elements on either side of the center in
a equally weighted way.
Asymmetrical balance is when you have different visual images on either side of a design, and yet
the image still seems balanced.

2. Proximity

Proximity creates relationships between elements. It
provides a focal point.
You see it everyday on a web page or a business card.

3. Alignment

• Alignment allows us to create order and organization.
Aligning elements allows them to create a visual
connection to them.

4. Repetition

Repetition strengthens a design by tying together
many different elements.

Repetition can create rhythm, which is a feeling of
organized movement.

An example would be a seats in a football stadium.

5. Contrast

Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements.
Contrast allows us to emphasize key elements in your
design.

An example would be black and white since they’re opposite from each
other.

6. Space

• Space refers to the distance or area between, around,
above, below, or within elements.

• There are both positive (area subject occupies) and
negative (space around & between subject) spaces.