1. Making Stuff Look and Work Better

2.  How quickly can you tell me who is playing at this concert?

3.  Is this one quicker?  Why or why not?

4.  Group related items together.  Items that are not related to each other should not be in close proximity.  This gives the reader an instant visual clue to the organization and content of the page.

5.  How is the rule of proximity broken in the first ad?  How has it been fixed in the second ad?

7.  The edges of elements on a page should align with one another.  This creates a relationship between each element and makes the page look “neat.”

8.  Can you find the alignment problems here?

9.  Notice the improvements?

10.  Repeat elements of your design to create a rhythm and unifying feeling.

11.  Repetition does not have to be complicated to do its job.

12.  Repetition can be a really fun way to express an idea.

13.  This example does not really stand out.

14.  How does this newsletter stand out more than the previous one?  Contrast helps define focal points, and thus visual hierarchy.

15.  The rule of contrast states that if two elements are going to be different, make them REALLY different!  There are many different types of contrast.  Exploring different types of contrast is one of the best ways to make your design stand out.

16.  All-caps is BAD.  Why?  Because there is little contrast between the different letters. They are all the same height.  Would you read this ad?

17.  Now isn’t that better?  Notice how the other principles come into play too!

18. For a more comprehensive explanation of these basic design principles, check out the book: “The Non Designers Design Book” by Robin Williams Or my transcription at: http://nhsdesigns.com/principles/ http://nhsdesigns.com/principles/