Principles of Design

• Balance in design is the state of equal relationship. It means equal distribution of visual weight in a design. It can be achieved by adjusting the visual weight of each element, in terms of size, color, textures, shapes or contrast.
• Symmetrical balance occurs when identical weights are on equal sides of a composition.
• Asymmetrical balance occurs when a design have unequal graphic weight on either side, but those unequal graphics need to balance each other (un-evenly balanced).
• Radial balance occurs when the design elements swirl out from a central axis (emanating from a central point)
• Proximity maintains a relationship between items that go together. It helps creates organization by grouping the same elements together or in close proximity. The elements should be connected visually.
• Alignment refers to lining up the elements of a design along the top, bottom, center or sides of the elements. It allows us to create order and organization in our design.
• Repetition duplicates the characteristics of similar elements to contribute to design consistency. It strengthens a design by tying together individual elements; pattern is a regular arrangement of alternated or repeated elements like shapes, lines or colors; rhythm is a combination of elements repeated, but with variations.
• Contrast refers to the use of conflicting elements or colors while still remaining harmonious and unified when the artwork is viewed as a whole. It allows you to give emphasis to key elements in your design.
• SPACE – It refers to the area that an object occupies. Both positive and negative space should be considered in graphic design.
• The term Information graphic or Infographic is a photographic presentation of data and information that use the different elements of design to make data easily understandable at a glance. Infographics make complex messages become more visually appealing to the viewers.