To be able to develop and create designs, a basic knowledge of this subject is a great advantage. Design principles provide designers with guidelines for creating visually appealing compositions. Often, you simply don't have the time to spend hours on the Internet or read various books on the subject. Do you feel the same way? Then you should definitely read on now! There are different opinions about how many design principles actually exist. That's why we've grabbed the principles and summarized them ourselves for a quick and organized overview.
1. alignment
A design is made up of many small elements, which in the end result in an overall composition. So that this composition coherent and looks coherent and consistent for the viewer, it requires the exact alignment of the individual elements.
The arrangement of texts and graphic elements can refer to the alignment to each other or also in relation to the overall design. If the components are to be found without reference to each other on the design, there is unrest in the mind of the viewer and the feeling of a mess, because no connections become recognizable.
It is all the more important that the alignment in a design is not only made in one place, but is consistent in the overall composition.
2. hierarchy
Through structures we can orient ourselves better – so also with designs that have a clear hierarchy. Through these can Information deliberately highlighted be. The important thing here is to emphasize the right things through the design and not inadvertently draw focus to the wrong element. Give the viewers cluesthrough which they understand what to look for first, second, and so on. A hierarchy can be created, for example, through colors, font sizes or types, or a scale (the relative size of the elements).
Notice: The hierarchy serves to make the most important element of your design stand out!
3. proportions
Here we will go into more detail on the topic of scale. It is the relative size of the individual elements within a design.
We perceive larger objects as important, while smaller elements recede into the background. Use this effect to arouse the visual interest of your viewers. and to deliberately draw their eyes to certain parts of their design.
Also consider the effect of the size of elements relative to each other: if this is too far apart, elements look out of place and confuse viewers.
4. balance
Keeping the balance is not always easy, but it is very important. The same is true for designs! A balance between elements is necessary to give the viewer a sense of harmony and coherence.
You can achieve this, for example due to the symmetrical balance. This is achieved when the objects on both sides of an element are equal on a central, vertical axis. So two text blocks would create a symmetrical balance, even if they do not contain the same text.
A further balance can be through the asymmetric axis can be created where the elements on either side of the central axis are not identical. A large image and a block of text next to it also create balance. If the vertical axis is not in the center, the element in the narrower area should be weighted more visually so that the overall composition is balanced and appears as a whole.
5. contrast
To create contrasts, the properties of the design elements can be used. Typically, the first thing that comes to mind is the stylistic device „color“. However, there are many other ways to create contrasts in a design, such as through shapes, structures, sizes or even patterns. Especially the proportions between the individual elements can have a great effect on the overall composition.
Contrasts have two important functions. On the one hand, this makes it possible to distinguish objects from each other. and thus create a design that does not blur into one another. A design whose elements can be perceived individually was thus automatically provided with contrast.
On the other hand, contrasts create accessibility. Among other things, contrasts have an enormous influence on the readability of texts and can thus determine the accessibility of a design.
Tip: There are tools you can use to have the accessibility of your design checked.
6. white space
White space, also called negative space, serves as a free area without elements within a design. It is the space that the other elements need to unfold their effect. White space should be deliberately incorporated and used in designs! It gives the objects room to breathe and makes a design look clearer.
Therefore, pay attention to it, to leave space around your elements. In particular, you can use it to excellently highlight your most important object!
7. repetitions/uniformity
Using the same patterns/fonts/colors etc. makes a design look harmonious. You can play with certain repetitions and Give your design a special mood with it. In this way, you create a feeling of harmony and continuity in the viewers.
Uniformity helps you navigate viewers through your design and direct visual attention. It makes the design look uncluttered!
Pro Tip: To give designs a special twist and discard the „classic“ design, variety helps. Deliberately doing things differently than you normally would can work wonders. These special elements break up the design and make it look completely different, which can also completely change the attention of those looking at it. Try it out!
We hope this has given you some understanding of the basics of design principles. Now it's up to you to apply them – and the best way to do that is through practice and trial and error! MUCH SUCCESS!!!
Source: https://dribbble.com/resources/principles-of-design
