Design Principles

1. Contrast Design Principles Review Contrast is created when two elements are different. It is said to be one of the most effective ways to add visual interest to your page. To remember these design principles, remember the simple acronym “CARP”. Contrast – If two items are not exactly the same, then make them different. Really different. Alignment - Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page. Repetition – Repeat some aspect of the design throughout the entire piece. Proximity – Group related items together. • Contrast can be created in many ways: • Typeface choices • Line thicknesses • Colors • Shapes • Sizes • S p a c e “If two items are not exactly the same, then make them different. Really different.” By: Ben Burling

2. Repetition Proximity Alignment The basic purpose of alignment is to unify and organize the page. You have a much stronger webpage when you properly align your content. Repetition is repeating some aspect of your work throughout the entire project. This can be thought of as consistency. This is just a conscious effort to unify all parts of a design. The purpose of the principle of Proximity is to move related items physically close to each other so they are seen as one cohesive group, rather than a bunch of unrelated bits. • How to use Alignment: • Be conscious of where you place item on the page • Always find something else on the page to align with • Avoid using more than one text alignment (left, right, center) • When using Repetition, keep in mind: • Avoid repeating the element so much that it becomes annoying or overwhelming • The more interesting the piece, the more likely it is to be read • With Proximity, it is important that you remember: • Groups of information that are not related to each other should not be in close proximity to other elements • Don’t put things in empty spaces just because they are empty “Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page” “Repeat some aspect of the design throughout the entire piece” “Group related items together”