Web Design & Development
[ Web Design & Development Topics ]
Principles of Design
The Principles of Design can be thought of as what we do to the elements of design. How we apply these Principles of Design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art:
- Balance
- Repetition
- Dominance
- Unity
- Gradation
- Contrast
- Harmony
Balance
- Balance in design is similar to balance in physics.
- A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge.
- A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be).
Repetition
- Repetition means repeating a design element (color, tone, texture, line, shape, size or direction) throughout a composition.
- Repetition with variation is interesting. Without variation repetition can become monotonous.
Subtle changes from one element to another allow for unity, but make the windows more interesting.
Dominance
- Dominance gives a composition interest, counteracting confusion and monotony.
Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis.
Unity
The principal of unity relates the design elements to the idea being expressed in a composition:
- an active aggressive subject would work better with a dominant oblique direction, course, rough texture, angular lines etc.
- whereas a quiet passive subject would benefit from horizontal lines, soft texture and less tonal contrast.
Unity in a composition also refers to the visual linking of various elements of the work.
Gradation
Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation of color from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial perspective, and a gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape.
Contrast
Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements
- Opposite colors on the color wheel - red / green, blue / orange.
- Contrast in tone or value - light / dark.
- Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical.
The major contrast should be located at the center of interest.
Note: Too much contrast can destroy unity and make a work difficult to look at.
Harmony
Harmony in composition is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements:
- adjacent colors on the color wheel.
- similar shapes, etc.
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