Design PrinciplesGraphic design principles are ways in which elements are used together.

There are six principles that include an interesting design.

• Balance

•Movement

• Rhythm

• Emphasis

• Proportion and Scale

• Unity

Balance

Parts of the design are equally distributed to create a sense of stability.

There can be physical as well as visual balance.

Types•Symmetrical or Formal Balance•Asymmetrical or Informal Balance•Radial Balance•Vertical Balance•Horizontal Balance

BalanceSymmetrical or Formal Balance

The elements within the design are identical in relation to a centerline or axis.

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Symmetrical balance

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Examples of symmetrical balance

BalanceAsymmetrical or Informal Balance

Parts of the design are not identical but are equal in visual weight.

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Examples of asymmetrical balance

BalanceRadial Balance

Design Elements radiateoutward from the center.

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Examples of radial balance

BalanceVertical Balance

The top and bottom parts are equal.

BalanceHorizontal Balance

The left and right

parts are equal.

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Movement• Movement is the use of lines, colour, and

repetition to create the illusion of motion.– Curved forms or lines – Repetition of geometric forms – Fuzzy lines or outlines

Rhythm

Repeated use of line, shape, color, texture or pattern.

Types

•Regular rhythm

•Graduated rhythm

•Random rhythm

•Gradated rhythm

RhythmRegular Rhythm

A element is repeated at the same repetition each time.

RhythmGraduated Rhythm

The beats of the element become closer or further apart as they move.

RhythmRandom Rhythm

The beats of the element are random or are at irregular intervals.

RhythmGradated Rhythm

The repeated element is identical with the

exception of one detail increasing or decreasing

gradually with each repetition.

Emphasis

•Points of attention in a design.

•The feature in a design that attracts one’s eye.

•The focal point.

•Emphasis can be achieved through size, placement, color and use of lines.

•The most personal aspect of a design.

Emphasis by placement

Emphasis by isolation

Proportion and Scale•Comparative relationships between elements in a design with respect to size.

•3:5 ratio is known as the Golden Mean.

•Scale

•The proportions or size of one part of the image in relationship to the other.

Unity• Unity is applying consistent use of lines, color and

texture within a design.• To be harmonious.

Unity can be achieved through the use of similar shapes.

Unity can be achieved through the use of a common pattern.

Unity