The Elements Principles of Design Explained The elements of design create everything around us…without these ingredients, nothing can exist. The responsibility for learning these elements and formatting them within the principles of design falls to each individual designer. Memorize these nine important elements of design… Color Also known as hue. A specific light wavelength found in the color spectrum. Color ranges circularly from red, to yellow, to green, to blue, and then back to red. The second element is Line. A line is a point in motion with only one dimension – length. The variables of line are size, shape, position, direction, number, interval and density. The third element, Mass or Volume. A solid body composing a solid form. In 2D design, the illusion of mass is achieved through shading, highlights and perspective. Movement, or motion… the fourth element. The process of changing place, direction or orientation. This is not animation, although animation is a product of movement added to other elements of design. Space, the fifth element. The distance between design elements. Space is a 2D or a 3D element defined by other elements of design. The sixth element is Texture. A technique of trying to replicate three-dimensional surfaces in 2D design through various drawing or other media technique. In 3D, it happens by touch or visual experience. The seventh element: Typography The use of text in a design is considered an element in the graphic design world. Although type itself consists of other elements of design, it becomes an element within the constraint of visual communication. The eighth element is Value. The relative lightness or darkness of an area measured in a graded scale from white to gray to black. The ninth and final element: Art, Illustration, and Photography Photographs, illustrations and artwork are used to tell stories, support ideas, and grab the audience's attention, so the selection is important. If an image has a copyright, it cannot be used without permission.
The principles of design are tools used to format the elements of design. There are eight elements and eight principles. The design principles are applicable to art, architecture, graphics, fashion, industrial design, and even writing, such as poetry. These principles organize the design elements into the final product. We start with the first principle‌ Balance. The convergence of design elements that appear to be at a whole with equilibrium. Symmetrical and asymmetrical balance create different responses from the viewer. The second principle is Contrast. This is “the automatic principleâ€?. Whenever an element is placed into a format, it contrasts with other elements in the same format in size, shape, color or texture. Offers variety within a visual format. Direction is the third principle. Using movement to create the visual illusion of displacement. It guides the eyes or the attention of the viewer. The fourth principle: Economy Simplicity in the design. Do not offer more than is necessary. A principle of most good design work. The fifth principle of design is Emphasis. Also known as dominance, this is the hierarchy of visual importance. One element takes precedence over others. Proportion is the sixth principle. The size relationships between elements in a design. The seventh principle of design is Rhythm. Repetition of one or more elements within a visual format resulting in harmony. The final principle: Unity. Oneness, harmony, completeness. All visual elements come together within a format to create a perfect whole.