1. Design CRAP Handout
Design CRAP stands for the 4 fundamentals of graphic design:
Contrast, Repetition, Alignment and Proximity.
Contrast:
If two items are not the same, make them obviously different. Contrast adds visual
interest or tension. For contrast to be effective, it must be strong.
How to create it: Large vs. small, thin vs. thick, horizontal lines vs. vertical lines, warm
colour vs. cool colour.
Repetition:
Repeat some aspect of your design throughout the piece. Repetition is a conscious
effort to unify a design.
How to create it: Find existing elements and repeat them.
Alignment:
Nothing should be placed arbitrarily on the page. Every item should have a visual
connection with something else on the page.
How to create it: Use grids or guides to construct your design.
Proximity:
Group related items together. Move similar items physically closer together, so they
seem to be a single unit. Move unrelated items further away.
How to create it: Group items according to similar shapes, colours, sizes, or values.
Examples:
Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity