Principles of Design

1. Design Principles

2. Design Principles
• The Principles are concepts used to organize
or arrange the structural elements of design.
Again, the way in which these principles are
applied affects the expressive content, or the
message of the work.

3. Design Principles
The principles are:
• Balance
• Rhythm
• Proportion
• Harmony
• Emphasis

4. Balance
• Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium,
and relates to our physical sense of balance. It
is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a
composition that results in visual stability.
Most successful compositions achieve balance
in one of two ways: symmetrically or
asymmetrically. Balance in a three
dimensional object is easy to understand; if
balance isn't achieved, the object tips over.

5. Symmetrical balance
• can be described as having equal "weight" on
equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It
may also be referred to as formal balance.

6. Asymmetrical balance
• also called informal balance, more complex and
difficult to envisage. It involves placement of
objects in a way that will allow objects of varying
visual weight to balance one another around a
fulcrum point. For example, it is possible to
balance a heavy weight with a cluster of lighter
weights on equal sides of a fulcrum; in a picture,
this might be a cluster of small objects balanced
by a large object.

7. TYPES OF BALANCE
• SYMMETRICAL
– Achieved by placing
identical objects on
either side of a central
point.
• ASYMMETRICAL
– Achieved by placing
different objects of
equal visual weight on
either side of a central
point.

8. RHYTHM
• Leads the eye from one point to another,
creates motion.

9. Rhythm
• This is achieved by positioning of lines and parts.
It gives a pleasing appearance and a sense of
movement. Knurl on a shaft is a example of
rhythm

10. Proportion
• Proportion refers to the relative size and scale
of the various elements in a design. The issue
is the relationship between objects, or parts,
of a whole. This means that it is necessary to
discuss proportion in terms of the context or
standard used to determine proportions.

11. Harmony
• There are 2 types of harmony.
–Unity
–Variety

12. UNITY
• Unity occurs when all
the parts of a home or
room are related by
one idea.
• A unified design has
consistency of style

13. VARIETY
• When two or more
different elements of
design are used to add
interest to a design.
• Variety can be
achieved by
combining different
styles and materials,
as long as they are
compatible.

14. HARMONY
• Is achieved when
unity and variety
are effectively
combined.
– Carrying variety too
far creates
confusion.
– A lack of unity may
make a small home
seem even smaller.

15. EMPHASIS
• The center or focus of
attention and interest
within a design
– The feature that
commands attention
and makes a design
visually interesting.

16. Emphasis
• Architectural features
such as fireplaces or
decorative windows
are often used as focal
points.
• Works of art and
decorative accessories
are often emphasized
in a design.

17. WAYS TO CREATE EMPHASIS
• Arrangement of
furniture around a
focal point.
• Use of color, texture,
or pattern.
• Placement of
accessories.
• Use of lighting.

18. Guidelines for Creating Emphasis
• The point of emphasis
should command
attention, but not
dominate the overall
design.
• Other features within
the room should not
compete for the
emphasis.