Visual Design Principles
|
Good design is
really about simplicity. You know you have a good design when there
is nothing more to remove; your interface is simple and
effective. |
Introduction
There are four visual
design principles that you can apply to the design of just about anything.
Whether you are designing a resume, web page, flyer, brouchure, lesson
plan, or computer software interface, the "look" of the product will
determine whether your message is effectively communicated.
Proximity: Group
Related Items
The principle of
proximity
states that related items should be placed physically close together and
unrelated items should have space separating them. The placing of
interface items close together gives visual clues to logical organization
of the information or functionality. Review the following examples. Notice
how the image to the left does not use proxmity to provide visual unity
while the example to the right unifies the disparite shapes by using
proximity.
 Violates Principle of Proximity |
 Visual Unity Through Proximity |
Repetition: Repeat
Visual Elements Througout Design
The principle of
repetition states that the designer repeat some element through the product.
The repeating aspect ties the work together. For example, compate the two
images below. The left image is various shapes that have nothing in common
except that they are the same color. There really is no unifiying
characteristic. The example on the right adds a repeating circle around
each shape. The circle helps create a sense of visual unity through
repetition. Any aspect of a design can be repeated: color, shape, texture,
font style and size, etc.
 Lack of Unity; No Repetition |
 Visual Unity Through Repetition of Circle |
Alignment: Align
Elements In Order to Create Visual Unity
The principle of
alignment
states that the designer should use alignment of elements as a tool to
create visual unity or organization. Designers recommend that each element
placed in a work should have at least some alignment with another element
on the page.
 Lack of Unity; Poor Alignment |
 Visual Unity Through Alignment |
Contrast: Use Contrast
to Add Visual Excitment and Draw Attention
The principle of
contrast
states that the designer should make elements very different (add
contrast) in order to make the design interesting and direct attention.
The newsletter design to the left is a simple neat layout. But it lacks
elements that make the design interesting. Notice how the improved design
to the right uses contrast
 Lack of Contast |
 Contrast Draws Your Eye to the Page |
Proximity, repetition, alignment, and contrast are four principles that can greatly improve your interface designs. If you apply these principles effectively your design will look more professional and will communicate your message more clearly.
Activity 1: Be sure to apply these 4 design principles to your Personal Skills Portfolio and your Final Instructional Design Project!