Principles of Design
Introduction
The elements of design are the building blocks of visual composition, and the principles of design are how we use or arrange these building blocks. This unit introduces the principles of design as they apply to typical graphic design work. When we know how to apply the principles of design to the elements of design, we can produce effective visual compositions.
 Tomb of Pope Julius II (Michaelangelo)
We apply the principles of design to all visual compositions. How we apply them determines how effectively we convey our messages. There is seldom only one correct way to apply each principle. Again, experimentation is the key.
The number and names of the basic principles of design varies. Design terms include balance, clarity, emphasis, framing, harmony, movement, unity, rhythm, perspective, variety, proportion, point of view, simplicity, repetition, and dominance.
- balance
- emphasis
- proportion
- contrast
- movement
- unity