Visual design elements and principles
Design principles and elements
Design principles and elements are the basic design tactics in every design discipline. Most designs are created by using the following principles and elements:
Principles of Design
Principles of design (scale, proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis, variety, and unity) are abstract ideas that are widely used in design fields such as architecture and art. These principles are the regulations universally accepted as the theory or a way of thinking. Truly fine designs incorporate appropriate scale and good proportion, as well as harmony between all the elements, wich is achieved through the sensitive balance of variety and unity. These principles are guidelines to encourage the creation of successful designs.
Elements of Design
Elements of design (space, shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, time, light, and color) are the components of any design. They embody the principles of design and transform theory into reality. Artists and designers discover, skillfully incorporate, and balance these elements to create a strong solution to a given problem situation.
These concepts and elements are basic and crucial design strategies. Using these strategies is the first step in creating successful designs.
References:
Kilmer, R., & Kilmer, W. O. (1992). Designing Interiors. Orland, FL: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.
Nielson, K. J., & Taylor, D. A. (2002). Interiors: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Pile, J.F. (1995). Interior Design. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/principl.htm
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/element/element.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm
http://gort.ucsd.edu/preseduc/design.htm
See also:
Interior design