Design: elements & principles

• Line


  The continuous movement of a point along a surface, can be decorative or structural
• Shape


  • Two-dimensional flat forms, having only length and width
  • Circle - stable, self-entering, centrality
  • Triangle - stability & instability
  • Square - static & neutral, stable & dynamic
• Form


  • Any object that is three-dimensional
  • Sphere - stable, self-entering, centrality
  • Pyramid - stability & instability
  • Cube - static & neutral, stable & dynamic
• Texture


  Surface treatments, materials, pattern - can be tactile or visual
• Color & Tone


  • Lights reflected off a surface, or in coloured light sources
  • Hue: color
  • Value: black < white
  • Saturation: bright VS. dull
• Elements of Design


  • Line
  • Shape
  • Form
  • Texture
  • Color & Tone
• Proportion


  • A matter of size relationships within the composition
• Scale


  • A fixed proportion used in measurements and dimensions
  • Intimate scale
  • Monumental scale
  • Shocking scale
• Balance


  • Refers to the distribution of mass of different elements
  • Symmetrical
  • Asymmetrical
• Unity


  • United, joined as a whole, similarities, resemblance
  • Diversity, mixture, combination of different elements
• Emphasis


  Special importance, prominence, or value given to an object
• Rhythm


  Regular or harmonious recurrence of elements
• Character


  Total external expression of all the principles
• Design Principles


  • Scale & Proportion
  • Balance
  • Unity & Variety
  • Emphasis
  • Rhythm
  • Character
• Element + Principle = Your Design