Design principles and elements

Elements
Name
Line

Colour

Space

Shape

Definition
Line is a basic element
yet it represents many
other things such as
volume, edges,
movement and patterns.
It can create both 2d
and 3d objects and
fi gures.
Colour is: the hue this is
the primary value of
colour, saturation is the
brightness of the colour,
and value is the
lightness or darkness of
the overall colour
scheme.
Space is used to
separate or group
information. When used
effectively it gives rest
the eye, define the
important and give a
thorough idea of the
other elements
There are 3 different
types of shape
geometric(
Circles, squares,
triangles) Natural
(leaves, trees and
people) and abstract
(icons and other graphic
representations) when
used carefully it creates
unique and eye-catching
designs.

Image

Texture

Texture is the surface of

an object. It is used to
visually show the
designs depth and
create a visual interest.

Contrast

Contrast is the
juxtaposition between of
opposing elements for
example black and
white. It allows us to
emphasise or notice the
other elements

Principles
Name
Emphasis

Balance(symmetrical)

(Asymmetrical) Balance

Definition
Emphasis is the shown
by contrasting size,
positioning, colour,
style or shape. It is
done to dominate the
design with scale and
contrast.
Balance provides
stability and structure
to a design for
example a large shape
close to the centre can
be balanced by a small
shape close to the
edge.
Symmetrical balance is
when a shape has a
symmetry with an
imaginary line.
Asymmetrical doesnt
have a symmetry. This
means there is no
mirror image in a
composition.

Image

Repetition or Rhythm

Proximity

Alignment

Hierarchy

Tone

Repetition is the
repeating of a shape or
pattern. It is used to
create a rhythm in the
picture. It helps to
have the image
consistent and
associated.
Proximity is used to
create a link with the
other elements and
provides a focus point.
It means that the
elements need to be
visually connected.
Alignment is used to
create an order or
keep things organised.
It is used to create a
visual connection and
analysis the image
easily.
Hierarchy is the layout
in an image for
example having the
most important thing
big and the least small.
It is used to analysis
an image easily.
Tone may be used to
describe form in terms
of its shadows and
highlights, and to
create the effect of
volume two and threedimensionally.

The Use of the design principles and elements in

graphics.

Design principles and elements are used in graphic

design for creating logos, publications and
advertisements and website creations. The creative use
of each principle and elements is the most important
part in having a successful and appealing work. The
basic principles and elements used in graphics mostly
are line, shape, tone, space, composition, proportion,
contrast, colour and symmetrical balance.

Task 2- Examples of Design

Elements
Line

Colour-

Space-

Shape-

Balance-

Repetition-