Principles of Design By Dorsetta Williams

The 5 Design Principles are… Contrast Alignment Balance Repetition Proximity

Alignment Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Main Menu The design principle of alignment is creating a sharper, more ordered design. This is a good example of alignment because it eliminates the haphazard, messy effect which comes when items are placed randomly.

Repetition Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Main Menu The design principle of repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements . This is a good example of repetition because it show hedges that are all of the same shape and size.

Contrast Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Main Menu The design principle of contrast emphasizes or highlights key elements. This is a good example of contrast because the lights in the background highlight the shape of the person with an umbrella, and your eyes are drawn to the bottom right corner.

Proximity Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Main Menu The design principle of proximity creates an organizational relationship between elements. This is a good example of proximity because there is a focal point in the painting and your eye is guided from that point across the picture’s entirety.

Balance Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Main Menu The design principle of balance provides stability and structure. This is a good example of balance because the warm colors in the bottom portion of the painting are offset by the cool colors at the top.

Alignment This is a good example of alignment because… The letters are stacked on the left side of the picture and words on the right create a cohesive appearance. Click for Ex. 2

Alignment This is a good example of alignment because… The objects on the desk appear to have purposely been placed in position on the desk. Click for Ex. 3

Alignment This is a good example of alignment because… The block formatting and centered text gives the page a unified look. Back to Main Menu

Repetition This is a good example of repetition because… Vertical lines are repeated in the fork, clothing, and house. Circles are repeated in the woman’s head, broach, shoulders and trees in the background. Click for Ex. 2

Repetition The is a good example of repetition because… The curvature of the branches draws the viewer’s eyes and attention to the top of the picture to the multiple bird images. The lines in the wall are repeated on the ground. Click for Ex. 3

Repetition This is a good example of repetition because… The same bolded font is used at the top and bottom of the card to create unity and consistency Back to Main Menu

Contrast This is a good example of contrast because… The bright red header and dark circle organizes the information on a page by focusing the reader’s attention on the top of the stationary where important information might be found. Click for Ex. 2

Contrast This is a good example of contrast because… The darker green guides the viewer to where they should look first or to the most important element (the view). Click for Ex. 3

Contrast This is a good example of contrast because… The two differently sized leaves of the plants are total opposites. Back to Main Menu

Proximity This is a good example of proximity because… The spacing groups related items together and gives the reader an idea of where they should start and finish reading. Click for Ex. 2

Proximity This is a good example of proximity because… The related items have been grouped together making the program easier to read. Click for Ex. 3

Proximity This is a good example of proximity because… The tree and large font both provide a focal point. Back to Main Menu

Balance This is a good example of balance because... The weight of the elements on both halves of the design is even. Click for Ex. 2

Balance This is a good example of balance because… The people are relatively small in size and numerous but the asymmetrical shapes are large in size and few in number. Click for Ex. 3

Balance This is a good example of balance because… The designer has used the same color in two different rooms to bring them together. Back to Main Menu

References Song Citation http://maddisondesigns.com/2009/03/the-5-basic-principles-of-design/ http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/130922/phoenix-variety-pretty-design.html Song Citation H.U.B., Jejung, & Yuchun. (2009). Colors (Melody and Harmony). On Colors (Melody and Harmony)/Shelter [CD]. Japan: Rhythm Zone.