Design Principles

Contrast

The design principle of contrast is emphasizing of the differences between elements, usually done to highlight the more important elements. Contrast can be done through color, size, shape, font, and even links (underlined and a different color from the rest of the text).This picture is a good example of contrast because it uses different colors to emphasis the text.Other examples of good contrast are...Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3

Proximity 1

This is a good example proximity because the main dishes are grouped together in the center, while the appetizer fruits are on the edges. Go to Example 2Unity

The design principle of unity is creating a bond between elements on a page by using a third element to connect distant parts. The 1st picture is not a good example of unity, but by adding a road in the 2nd picture it now has unity between the two buildings. Other examples of good unity are... Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3Balance 3

This is a good example balance because the tree branches and light blue sky are balanced by the deep blue river below. Go back to the Design Principles MenuBalance

The design principle of balance is arranging elements on the page so that no one section is heavier than the other. Conversely, elements may be intentionally out of balance to create tension. This picture is a good example of balance because the text is weighted to the left but there are more circles on the right to balance it out.Other examples of good balance are... Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3

Proximity 2

This is a good example proximity because the trees are at the top, the people are clumped in the middle, and the road and fallen leaves are at the bottom. Go to Example 3Resources:The definitions and all black-and-white (or grey-scale) images were taken from:http://desktoppub.about.com/od/designprinciples/tp/Principles_of_Design.htmhttp://webdesign.about.com/od/webdesignbasics/p/aacontrast.htmhttp://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

All other images were photographed by Rachelle Leung and her friends and family Suite bergamasque, for piano, L. 75: Clair de Lune Unknown ArtistThe Only Classical CD You'll Ever Need!, track 71999Classical273024.53