Principles of design

1. Principles of design

2. Proportion • Proportion refers to the size relationships that can be found within an object or design • For example, take an Egyptian patterned rug, the proportion of the rug can be: • The length compared to the width • The size of the border area compared to the middle design • The size of the middle design compared to the rug as a whole • The rug’s area compared to the entire floor area • The amount of each colour in the design

3. proportion • Certain proportions create a more pleasing effect than others • Generally people prefer rectangles to squares, however if the rectangle is too long and narrow it might express a feeling of discomfort • Unequal divisions of space are often preferred • Many designers find that dividing a line or form according to the golden section is more visually appealing than dividing it exactly in half

4. The Golden Section • The ancient Greeks discovered that if you divide a line somewhere between one-third and one-half the distance from one end, it is more visually appealing • The ratio of the larger segment to the smaller segment will equal the ratio of the whole line to the larger segment

5. The Golden Rectangle • A rectangle that has sides in ratio of 2 to 3 • (short sides are two-thirds the length of the long sides) • This is thought to be the most visually satisfying rectangle

6. Scale • Refers to how the size of an object or space relates to human beings and to other objects or spaces in a design • For example, a wide-screen TV may be better to watch sports, but may be too big for a smaller room • Or, a big room with a loveseat instead of a couch may also be out of scale • Rooms should also be designed for the humans who are going to live in it • Mirrors and pictures should be at eye level, children’s rooms may require smaller furniture

7. Balance • Balance in design occurs when the amount, size, or weight of objects on both sides of a center point is equal, or when unequal objects appear to be equal • There are two main techniques for achieving balance: • Symmetrical balance • Asymmetrical balance

8. Balance • Symmetrical balance • The arrangement of forms on one side of an imaginary central line is the mirror image of the forms on the opposite side • This type of balance expresses quiet and calm • Asymmetrical balance • The arrangement of forms on either side of an imaginary central line are unmatched, but appear to be in balance • This type of balance creates interest

9. Rhythm • The principle that suggests connected movement between different parts of a design • Rhythm can be achieved in various ways, including: • Repetition • Radiation • Gradation • Opposition • Transition

10. Rhythm - repetition • Rhythm is most often achieve by repetition • Repetition can be created through A A A A in which letter A could represent a window, a pattern in a rug, a bookshelf • Repetition can also be created through A B A B A B with two different elements repeating • Repeating rhythm helps to lead the eye from one point to another through a space

11. Rhythm - radiation • Radiation occurs when lines radiate (or move outward) from a central point • Chairs arranged around a round table are an example of radiation

12. Rhythm - gradation • A gradual increasing or decreasing of colour, size or pattern • For example, arranging books from shortest to tallest • This leads the eye from one object to the next, a gradual change of form is usually more pleasing than an abrupt change

13. Rhythm - opposition • When lines come together to form right angles • For example, the square corners of a doorway

14. Rhythm - transition • When lines change direction by flowing in a curve, or when curved lines lead the eye from one object to another • For example, a couch with a back that curves into the arms

15. Emphasis • The center of interest or focal point that first catches a viewer’s eye • For example, a dramatic structural features such as a colourful stained glass window or a winding staircase; or a large bookshelf or framed poster; or a collection of items grouped together • Emphasis can also be used to hide a feature you do not like, for example painting something the same colour as the wall

16. Unity and variety • Unity occurs when all parts of a design are related by one idea • Variety is achieved when different styles and materials are combined, however it is important to still keep some aspect of harmony when using variety in design • Especially when dealing with a smaller space, it is important to have unity, as too much variety can make it feel even smaller