Graphic Design Principles. Principles of Design. The Principles are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. Again, the way in which these principles are applied affects the expressive content, or the message of the work. The principles are: Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance.
It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: symmetrically or asymmetrically. Balance in a three dimensional object is easy to understand; if balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. Symmetrical balance can be described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. There is a variant of symmetrical balance called approximate symmetry in which equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line. Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance, is more complex and difficult to envisage. Questions or comments? Www.hu.mtu.edu/~njcarpen/hu3120/pdfs/Basic Visual Design Principles.pdf. Principles | The ABCs of Design. The principles of design can be thought of as a visual grammar.
Using these principles, we put together the elements of design to create effective and meaningful communication. The elements are the “what” of a design and the principles are the “how.” Using the recipe metaphor – the elements are the ingredients and the principles are the directions. Unity The principle of unity is the fundamental principle of design and it is supported by all the other principles. Unity can be compared to harmony, integrity or wholeness. Unity is based on the gestalt theory of visual perception, which states that the viewer is looking for a unified whole (a gestalt). A gestalt is created because the mind simplifies and organizes information. Proximity is based on grouping by closeness; the closer the elements are to each other, the more likely it is they will be perceived as a group.
Similarity is based on grouping by repetition; elements that look alike are perceived to be related. Variety Emphasis Balance. Visual Arts: Elements and Principles of Design. Practical Guidelines for Visual Design. Practical Guidelines for Visual Design The following are some practical guidelines to follow in the design of instructional visuals. There are three major ways to represent objects: as pictorial symbols, graphic symbols, or verbal symbols. Being creative... Designing visual images for instruction requires the ability to think visually coupled with the ability to relate verbal symbols (words) with corresponding visual symbols (pictures or graphical images) in a meaningful and creative way. Research on eye movement states that people from Western cultures tend to look at the upper left-hand area of a visual first. Keeping these two principles in mind it is important to place important information near the dividing lines and place the start of the main message where the eye first strikes the area.
Changes in a visual image help keep attention directed on the visual. Too much detail in a visual image can detract from instruction. Move labels close to the objects they refer to.