THE PRINCIPLES OF VISUAL DESIGN Balance Rhythm/Repetition Movement Emphasis Pattern Unity Contrast Proportion/Scale The principles of design are referred to using a variety of terms but the following list covers them all: Balance Rhythm Movement Emphasis Pattern Repetition Unity Contrast Proportion Size Scale In Multimedia we will focus on just the following: Rhythm or Movement Proportion or Scale or Size Unity or Variety

Principles of Design: Balance Every composition should have some form of balance. Three types of balance: Symmetrical - has an axis of symmetry Asymmetrical - counterbalance (ex. Move large object toward center to counter balance smaller object further out) Radial - patterned in nature, like flowers, shells, etc. Symmetrical = has an axis of symmetry Asymmetrical = counterbalance (ex. Move large object toward center to counter balance smaller object further out) Radial = patterned in nature, like flowers, shells, etc.

Principles of Design: Rhythm/Movement Regular Irregular Vertical Diagonal Progressive Flowing Horizontal Curving To view examples of Rhythm click here.

Principles of Design: Eye Movement Vertical Horizontal Diagonal Circular Radial Rectangular Triangular Eye Movement - Visual movement directs our eyes through a design along lines, edges, colors or paths of equal value. It is an extremely powerful force in creating strong visual design. If you understand this design principle, you can create more effective interactive multimedia designs. Eye Movement - Visual movement directs our eyes through a design along lines, edges, colors or paths of equal value. It is an extremely powerful force in creating strong visual design. If you understand this design principle, you can create more effective interactive multimedia designs. To view examples of Movement click here.

Radial Eye Movement Recognize Movement (how the eye is directed) in a visual design. As you find examples of each of the kinds of [eye] Movement, note that you are not looking for pictures of “moving” cars or objects shaped like the diagram on the page. Pay attention to how the design controls the way your eye moves around in the design. You may also want to use some method to trace the path that your eye takes as it moves around from one element to another. Does the path repeat the one in the diagram? Recognize Movement (how the eye is directed) in a visual design. As you find examples of each of the kinds of [eye] Movement, note that you are not looking for pictures of “moving” cars or objects shaped like the diagram on the page. Pay attention to how the design controls the way your eye moves around in the design. You may also want to use some method to trace the path that your eye takes as it moves around from one element to another. Does the path repeat the one in the diagram?

Horizontal Eye Movement

Vertical Eye Movement

Circular Eye Movement

Rectangular Eye Movement

Triangular Eye Movement

Diagonal Eye Movement

Principles of Design- #3 Emphasis placement dominance focal point center of interest shape isolation size contrast converging lines To view examples of Emphasis click here.

Examples of Size

Examples of Size

Principles of Design- #4 Proportion miniature monumental scale exaggerated To view examples of Proportion click here.

Principles of Design- #5 Pattern repetition motif module all-over To view examples of Pattern click here.

Principles of Design- # 6 Unity/Variety repetition simplicity harmony theme and variation proximity continuity contrast To view examples of Unity/Variety click here.

To view examples of Contrast click here.

Check your Understanding of Principles of Design Complete page 10 of the principles worksheet the do Assignment #3 Design Principle Examples Be sure to save the assignment to your student folder.