The Principles of Design
Mobeena Azmat
-Balance-
Symmetrical
Symmetry means a mirror imagine. One side is the mirror image of the other. Symmetry can occur in any orientation as long as the image is the same on either side of the central axis.
Asymmetrical
In asymmetrical balance the imaginary central pivot point is still presumed to be present; however, instead of mirror images on each side of the picture area, the subject elements are notably different in size, shape,weight, tone, and placement.
-Rhythm-
Radiation
Radiation is a balance around a central point. Dining chairs around a round table radiate around the center of the table. Tree branches usually radiate around the tree's trunk.
Gradation
Gradation is the use of a change in size of objects from large to small or a change in color from light to dark . Russian stacking dolls are an example of gradation from large to small.
Transition
Transition is how something transitions from one element to another. Instead of using just tall and short elements, mix in some medium sized elements to create a good transition.
Repetition
Repetition refers to one object or shape repeated; pattern is a combination of elements or shapes repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement; rhythm--is a combination of elements repeated, but with variations.
Emphasis
Emphasis is the creation of a focal point. A focal point should be an area that is visually important enough to draw and hold attention.
-Proportion/Scale-
Proportion
Proportion relates to the general size of two objects without information regarding their actual sizes.
Scale
Scale refers to the relationship between two or more objects, one that has a commonly known size. In most cases, the size of objects is compared to our own human scale.
Harmony
Harmony can be described as sameness, the belonging of one thing with another. The repetition of design elements like colour, texture, shape, and form is one of the easiest ways to achieve harmony to create a composition.
-Adult / Child Scale-
The scale of an object refers to the overall size while proportion refers to the relative size of that object vs. others. To create a room that visually looks right; the furniture should be the proper scale according to the room’s size, but in proportion to the other items in the space.