Design principles, such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, repetition (pattern), Proportion, rhythm, variety, and unity, are fundamental rules designers use to create organized, harmonious, and visually pleasing works. These principles dictate how the elements of design (like line, color, and space) are used and arranged to achieve specific aesthetic and functional goals, ensuring that a design communicates effectively with its audience.
The arrangement of visual elements to create stability and harmony within a composition. This can be symmetrical (mirror images) or asymmetrical (different elements with equal visual weight).
The use of different elements to highlight their differences, creating visual interest and making elements stand out.
The creation of a focal point or dominant area within a design that attracts the viewer's attention first.
The way a viewer's eye is guided through a design, typically from the most important element to the next, creating a sense of flow.
A repeating element or design that can be used to create a sense of unity or visual interest.
The size relationships between different elements and the overall composition to create harmony or visual interest.
The use of repeating elements to create a visual tempo, like a fast pace for excitement or a slow pace for calmness.
The inclusion of different elements to create visual interest and avoid monotony.
The sense of cohesiveness and completeness where all the parts of a design feel like they belong together.
Maurice Woods is a graphic designer and founder of the Inneract Project, which provides free design classes for inner-city youth. As part of ConnectEd's "Day in the Life" series, Maurice talks about his transition from basketball to graphic design.
Ever wonder what a graphic designer really does? From utilizing software to design a large array of media and communicating with clients, learning about the daily life of a graphic designer might help you decide if this is the career for you!
Graphic design in itself can be very broad, for one to say they are a ‘graphic designer’ today can be a very broad term because contemporary graphic design can consist of an extensive range of areas and skills.
Design differs from art in that it has to have a purpose. Visually, this functionality is interpreted by making sure an image has a center of attention, a point of focus. Maybe you’re thinking, “But wait! I thought design was all about creativity?” If you’re a business owner, marketer or designer who’s just starting out, you might be tempted to go wild and combine the first five typefaces and colors that catch your eye, believing you’re creating something fresh and new. You will probably find yourself with a design that is muddled, unfinished or, well, just plain ugly.
The principles of design are the rules you must follow to create an effective and attractive design composition. Graphic design, like any discipline, adheres to strict rules that work beneath the surface to make the work stable and balanced. If the design is missing that balance, it will be weak and ineffective.