By: Roberta Schlehr
Design principles or principles of design, are one and the same, but why do we need to know about them? You probably have a sense about the principles of design even if you are not sure what they are!
I think most people associate the term principles of design with art students majoring in graphic design, photography, or perhaps interior design. All these areas of design are taught these principles when we are taking college classes and learning about our different career choices. But I believe everyone uses these principles in their everyday life. From organizing pictures on the wall, or items on a table to creating a comfortable space.
There is some controversary on how many design principles there are, some say 5, some say 7 and others say 12 or 14. Sometimes the confusion is caused because there are elements of design, which are the supporting pieces of the principles. Here is a list of 7 common principles of design and their definition that I typically teach:
Alignment | How items are placed in relation to each other |
Balance | Two kinds: Symmetrical – equally balanced; Asymmetrical – balanced but using different sizes or numbers of objects |
Contrast | Differences in texture, weight, or color |
Emphasis | Main Focus – what is important |
Hierarchy | Order of objects, most important to least important |
Repetition | A repeat of an object or pattern can create a sense of movement |
Unity | Brings it all together |
After you review my definitions of the principles of design, do you see how they relate to your day-to-day life? If you see a poster or an ad, something on TV or the web, and you like it or you don’t think about why. Maybe the balance is off, something looks out of place or maybe it’s the color contrast, too little and it is hard to read.
I like to think of design principles as an organizational method:
In the Home: The way books are organized on a bookshelf. Decorative items placed around the room, what is the focus (emphasis) as you walk in?
In Print: What is the hierarchy on a menu? Is it easy to read? Is there enough contrast with the type or the color?
On the Web: How is the page organized? Is there a balance on the page? Are objects repeated to create a sense of unity?
Principles of design are important because it helps to organize something that you are working on, a printed project or a project for the web. It is important as a consumer because it helps in the way we review content all around us. You may not have been aware of the principles, but they do affect the way we react, positively or negatively to something. If we have a positive feeling about the menu we are looking at, it is more likely that we will look at all the options presented before us. If the menu is cluttered and uncomfortable to look at, we won’t spend any more time looking than what is necessary.
As you go through your day, think about this article, and take notice around you, whether it is at work or home, or even out in nature you will find some principles. Become aware and notice what you like and start applying principles of design to your day!