Design Principles
Emphasis
By means of emphasis in a design or an art work, one method most commonly used in order to gain the attention of viewers is the use of focal point (Skaalid, 1999). In order words, a focal point draws readers’ attention to the most crucial element on a particular page and hence creating an emphasis.
By means of emphasis in a design or an art work, one method most commonly used in order to gain the attention of viewers is the use of focal point (Skaalid, 1999). In order words, a focal point draws readers’ attention to the most crucial element on a particular page and hence creating an emphasis.
a)
Emphasis by contrast
In most cases, focal point is usually very easy to spot. Below is an example shown when the elements are light coloured in most places, a dark/dull element will be outstanding.
In most cases, focal point is usually very easy to spot. Below is an example shown when the elements are light coloured in most places, a dark/dull element will be outstanding.
b)
Emphasis by placement/isolation
On the other hand, object placement could also create an emphasis. For instance, when most of the elements in a work of art are grouped together and an object is left out to stands alone, eventually the single object will be the focal point.
On the other hand, object placement could also create an emphasis. For instance, when most of the elements in a work of art are grouped together and an object is left out to stands alone, eventually the single object will be the focal point.
Contrast
Although, different colours could create contrast as
mentioned earlier, colour is not the only element on a page that can create
such an impact. In brief, contracts occur when two distinct elements on a page
are different (Farley, 2009).
a)
Contrast based on sizes
Imagine when there is difference between a large element and a small one. In this case, the text font is way bigger than the polar bear, hence creating contrast.
Imagine when there is difference between a large element and a small one. In this case, the text font is way bigger than the polar bear, hence creating contrast.
b) Contrast based on shapes
Different shapes in an art work could also create a contrast.
Different shapes in an art work could also create a contrast.
c)
Contrast base on typefaces
By using typefaces that are clearly distinct from one another, simple designs become much more eye-catching. One example is the use of large font as a heading, with a small body text font.
By using typefaces that are clearly distinct from one another, simple designs become much more eye-catching. One example is the use of large font as a heading, with a small body text font.
Balance
There are two types of principles when it comes to
understanding the balance in design (Skaalid, 1999). Namely, the symmetrical
balance and asymmetrical balance.
a)
Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance is also known as the mirror image balance. When one draws a line at the center of the page, all or at least at most of the objects on one side of the screen is mirrored on the other side. An example as follow:
Symmetrical balance is also known as the mirror image balance. When one draws a line at the center of the page, all or at least at most of the objects on one side of the screen is mirrored on the other side. An example as follow:
b)
Asymmetrical balance
This happens when numerous smaller objects on one side are balanced by a large item on the other side. This can be seen in most magazines cover whereby the design is balanced out with smaller portion of text at one side and a large graphic on the other.
This happens when numerous smaller objects on one side are balanced by a large item on the other side. This can be seen in most magazines cover whereby the design is balanced out with smaller portion of text at one side and a large graphic on the other.
Alignment
Alignment brings all the elements
on a piece of paper or design in order and ultimately to create an organized
piece of work. There are normally separated into top, bottom, sides, or middle
of text or graphic elements on a page.
Repetition
Repetition is the use of similar or connected pictorial
elements such as similar shapes, lines, or colours. Besides, the repeating
elements in an image, without much variation, it can be boring. However, when
variation is introduced, it relieves monotony and adds interest even when the
variation is subtle. Below is a good example of an art that uses repetition
with different variations (shapes and colors) to create and eye-catching
design.
Source: http://www.sitepoint.com/principles-of-design-value/
Flow
Visual flow carries the viewer’s eye through the art in a
way that all the crucial elements receive prominence, and nothing causes the
viewer to lose sense of the piece. Below is an example of visual flow when the
main emphasis starts on the graphic image then moving on to the headline and
then to the text, hence creating a flow there.
Source: http://photoparley.wordpress.com/
References
Skaalid. B. 1999. Ways to create a focal point. Retrieved
from http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/emphasis.htm
Farley. J. 2009. Principles of design: contrast. Retrieved
from http://www.sitepoint.com/principles-of-design-contrast/
Skaalid. B. 1999. Classic graphic design theory. Retrieved
from http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/balance.htm
