Design elements and principles

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Design elements and principles describe fundamental ideas about the practice of good visual
design that are assumed to be the basis of all intentional visual design strategies. The elements
form the 'vocabulary' of the design, while the principles constitute the broader structural aspects
of its composition. Awareness of the elements and principles in design is the first step in
creating successful visual compositions. These principles, which may overlap, are used in all
visual design fields, including graphic design, industrial design, architecture andfine art.

Design is the organized arrangement of one or more elements and principles (e.g. line color or
texture) for a purpose.

The principles of design are as varied as attitudes regarding modern design. They differ both
between the schools of thought that influence design, and between individual practicing
designers.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Elements of
Design

• 2 Principles of
 design

• 3 See also

• 4 Notes

• 5 References

• 6 External links

[edit]Elements of Design

Design elements are the basic units of a visual image. These elements include:

Space
Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It may have
two dimensions (length and width), such as a floor, or it may
have three dimensions (length, width, and height). Space
includes the background, foreground and middle ground. Space
refers to the distances or areas around, between or within
components of a piece. There are two type of space: positive
and negative space. Positive space refers to the space of a
shape representing the subject matter. Negative space refers to
the space around and between the subject matter.
Line
Line is the basic element that refers to the continuous
movement of a point along a surface, such as by a pencil or
brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. It is
the basic component of a shape drawn on paper. Lines and
curves are the basic building blocks of two dimensional shapes
like a house's plan. Every line has length, thickness, and
direction. There are curve, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag,
wavy, parallel, dash, and dotted lines.
Balance
Balance can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Balance
also refers to a sense that dominant focal points don't give a
feeling of being pulled too much to any specific part of the
artwork. Balance can be achieved by the location of objects,
volume or sizes of objects, and by color. It can also be achieved
by balancing lighter colors with darker colors, or bold colors with
light neutral colors.
Color
Color is seen either by the way light reflects off a surface, or in
colored light sources. Color and particularly contrasting color is
also used to draw the attention to a particular part of the image.
There are primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary
colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite to
each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors are used
to create contrast. Analogous colors are colors that are found
side by side on the color wheel. These can be used to create
color harmony. Monochromatic colors are tints and shades of
one color. Warm colors are a group of colors that consist of
reds, yellows, and oranges. Cool colors are group of colors that
consist of purples, greens, and blues.
Shape
A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space
next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or
because of differences of value, color, or texture.[1] Shapes can
also show perspective by overlapping. They can be geometric
or organic. Shapes in house decor and interior design can be
used to add interest, style, theme to a design like a door. Shape
in interior design depends on the function of the object like a
kitchen cabinet door. Natural shapes forming patterns on wood
or stone may help increase visual appeal in interior design. In a
landscape, natural shapes, such as trees contrast with
geometric such as houses.
Texture
Texture is perceived surface quality. In art, there are two types
of texture: tactile and implied. Tactile texture (real texture) is the
way the surface of an object actual feels. Examples of this
include sandpaper, cotton balls, tree bark, puppy fur, etc.
Implied texture is the way the surface on an object looks like it
feels. The texture may look rough, fizzy, gritty, but cannot
actually be felt. This type of texture is used by artist when
drawing or painting.
Form
Form is any three dimensional object. Form can be measured,
from top to bottom (height), side to side (width), and from back
to front (depth). Form is also defined by light and dark. There
are two types of form, geometric (man-made) and natural
(organic form). Form may be created by the combining of two or
more shapes. It may be enhanced by tone, texture and color. It
can be illustrated or constructed.
Value
Value is an element of art that refers to the relationship between
light and dark on a surface or object and also helps with Form.
It gives objects depth and perception. Value is also referred to
as tone.
[edit]Principles of design

The principles of design govern

the relationships of the
elements used and organize
the composition as a whole.
Successful design incorporates
the use of the principles and
elements to serve the
designer's purpose and visual
goals. There are no rules for
their use. The designer's
purpose and intent drives the
decisions made to achieve
harmony between the
elements.

The principles of design consist

of:

Unity
Unity refers to a sense that everything in a piece of work
belongs there, and makes a whole piece. It is achieved by the
use of balance, repetition and/or design harmony.
Harmony
Harmony is achieved through the sensitive balance of variety
and unity. Color harmony may be achieved using
complementary or analogous colors. Harmony in design is
similarity of components or objects looking like these belong
together. Harmony may be visually pleasing and harmony is
when some of the objects like drapes and couches share a
common trait. A common trait between objects could be:
color(s), shape(s), texture, pattern(s), material, theme, style,
size, or functionality.
Contrast
Contrast is the occurrence of differing elements, such as color,
value, size, etc. It creates interest and pulls the attention toward
the focal point.
Repetition
(rhythm,
pattern)
The recurrence of elements within a piece: colors, lines,
shapes, values, etc. Any element that occurs is generally
echoed, often with some variation to maintain interest. Rhythm
in interior design also may be used to reduce randomness.
Variety
(alternation
)
The use of dissimilar elements, which creates interest and
uniqueness. Variety like a painting or some reflective wood
panels added on a plain wall may be used to reduce monotony.
Helps infuse color to a house decor to attempt to increase
design beauty.
Emph
asis
(domi
 nance
or
focal
point)
Emphasis refers to areas of interest that guides the eye into and
out of the image through the use of sequence of various levels
of focal points, primary focal point, secondary, tertiary, etc.
Emphasis hierarchy may give direction and organization to a
design, and avoid subconscious confusion to sometimes
improve the design's visual appeal and style. Emphasis
hierarchy or focus is not giving each object in a project equal
dominance within a piece of work. Emphasis or dominance of
an object can be increased by making the object larger, more
sophisticated, more ornate, by placing it in the foreground, or
standout visually more than other objects in a project. The
primary focus point or area receives the largest emphasis in a
room.
Pr
o
p
or
ti
o
n
(s
c
al
e)
Proportion involves the relationship of size between objects.
Proportion is also relative sizes of surface areas of different
colors. Proportion also depends on functionality of object. Art
painting can be given the correct size in relation to room to
make it an effective decorating component or source of color.
Fu
nc
 tio
na
lit
y
A design must have good functionality. Proper functionality is
simply the best possible design and best possible location of
this design that the occupant(s) requires. Such designs are
clean, nearly sterile, tidy, brightly lit, warm, visually appealing, is
relatively dry, has relatively clean and healthy breathing air, and
exceeds high level health and safety standards. Great
functionality and best possible materials for the function usually
also increases visual appeal.
Proxim
ity
Proximity is the placing of similar objects closer together
physically, and unlike objects further apart. This aids in creating
unity. For example, different furniture styles with different colors
compressed in a small bedroom does not look as nice as the
same furniture placed further apart in a very large living room.

Declutterin
g,
organizatio
n and
harmonizati
on of
accessorie
s
Neatness or tidyness, clean rooms, construction precision and
organization in architecture and home appliances is important.
When there is too much storage in rooms, work space must be
made by decluttering, organizing and general cleaning.
Collected clutter may hide the initial showcase visual appeal of
a room. Clutter also makes a room more laborious to clean.
 Lighting
coloration
Light coloration is important to setting the mood in a photograph
or work of visual art. Using various types of lights can denote
specific mood changes. For example, a red-light may be used
to denote an alert of some sort in the form of a beacon.
Differences in lighting can affect the mood as well. Halogen
lamps and fluorescents can give a cooler feel to visual design
works. These can be replicated through psychological studies.
[citation needed]
In digital mediums, lighting can be applied through a
variety of filters. For example, filtering out noise and changing
hues in a subtle manner can give a simple but tolerable logo
feel to a red-alert beacon.
Design method
Despite the design rules and guidelines, the designer still has to
make an attractive design, and perhaps using some of these
methods. Design by experimentation: experimenting with
different shapes, materials, sizes of shapes to optimize
functionality and aesthetics of design. Design by modification:
modifying an existing design to improve the aesthetics and
functionality of a design. Design by chance: for example
scribbling some lines and curves randomly with a pencil on a
piece of paper then choose a shape outline seen in it that may
be used as a wood table top. Design by sketching: sketches
and drawings can be easily modified. Design using a mood
board: photographs of lamps and couches, paint swatches,
wood samples, textile samples, and room sketches can be
placed on the mood board to help visualize a room design.
Design in the mind: visualize pleasing designs of rooms and
houses in the mind. Design with "direct" method: direct is
abbreviation for describe, investigate, record, evaluate,
construct, and try. This involves describing design
requirements, investigating design requirements and feasibility,
recording design progress and plans, evaluating the design to
see if design requirements were met, constructing the design,
and then trying or testing the home design and problem solving.
Making a new great design is not automatic, it is created and
then it might become a trend or fad for a few years. This is the
dream of a designer/engineer: to create a fad and get paid for it.
Trade secrets: to design and engineer well like no one else can;
trying to make a top of the line in class product. Contemporary
home updates and upgrades, and contemporary home lifestyle
development may be the best; if not so there would be no point
in designing. You can help in home maintenance, updates and
upgrades. What is home updating? Is usually using not so much
past designs, add a new design like sconces, tidying (making it
look like new), perhaps add more decor. What is upgrading or
home improvement? Upgrading includes replacing past
materials with better quality and more expensive finishing
materials like granite countertops and real wood, getting better
quality components like real wood furniture and embroided thick
drapes, replacing phoney gold in chandelier with real gold
plating.
[edit]See also

Design
portal

 Composition
arts)

 Interior des

 Pattern lang

 Principles o
[edit]Notes

1. ^ Cindy Ko
Peggy King
Literacy". R
03-27.
[edit]Reference
 Kilmer, R., &
O. (1992).
Interiors. O
Holt, Rin
Winston,
978-003032

 Nielson, K.
D. A. (2002
An Introdu
York: McGr
Companies
978-007296

 Pile, J.F. (1
edition, 20
Design.
York: Harry
Inc. ISBN
0132321037
[edit]External lin

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 John Lavett
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