In design, there are rules that we intend to follow to help us create a good and effective layout. Some call these the basics, the essentials, or the fundamentals. But here we'll be calling it DESIGN PRINCIPLES!
There’s a lot of interpretations for these principles but in general,
we basically have 12.
So, let's get started!
This refers to the way how the elements on your design differ from each other.
It creates a distinction which can be done through color, shape, position or size which ultimately sets elements apart.
This is how you arrange and position the elements in your design.
There are three main types of balance:
symmetrical assymetrical, & radial.
The proper use of balance and positioning of elements creates an effective layout design.
From the word itself, it emphasizes a certain element/s in your design.
It draws the viewer’s eye to the subject that stands out the most.
We use emphasis to signify importance especially when it comes to information.
This refers to the way of how elements are repeated on your design.
It can be through using the same color, same format, same shapes, etc.
It helps your design to be visually coherent and consistent all throughout.
This has something to do with the size of the elements & their visual weight in relation to one another.
It helps to create emphasis because larger elements are seen first compared to smaller ones which also signify importance.
Since there is a sign of importance, hierarchy, on the other hand, creates order of importance.
It draws the viewers’ eyes on the first thing that they should see creating a visual ranking system.
The most important information is usually on-center and big.
This is repetition, variety, and movement at work.
Rhythm refers to the way how elements repeat together and to how they work in that sequence.
It creates visual rhythm and there are five types of it:
random, regular, alternating, flowing & progressive.
People confuse pattern with repetition most of the time.
Whilst both deal with repeated elements, pattern deals with different components repeated in a certain format.
Good patterns are mesmerizing and they’re as seamless as they can be.
This pertains to the area of any design layout that is left empty.
This is also called negative space.
It’s important to utilize white space especially when there are too many elements on a layout.
It helps the design to be more visible and readable at a distance.
This refers to the interaction of the viewer’s eye with your design.
With the help of certain features and elements, it leads the viewer to see what you want them to see.
Previous mentioned principles like emphasis, contrast, and hierarchy creates movement.
This refers to the different elements you put on your design.
To create variety, you have to change by adding or modifying color, typography, shapes & positioning.
This helps to avoid monotonous designs and make it more interesting to the viewer.
This refers to the way on how the components on your design work together.
It’s the combination of all the mentioned design principles.
If there is unity in your design, then there’s a good chance for the viewer to understand the message clearly.
