The Four Basic Principles of Design

Below, we're going to give you a basic overview of The Four Principles of Design.

They appear in every well-designed--pun intended--piece of work.

Whether that be a YouTube video, an Instagram photo, or a drawing.

They're there.

We'll discuss each of these separately in their own respective posts, as they rightly deserve.

For now, we'll briefly skim over each one as an overview, and, furthermore, to illustrate the strong interconnectedness amongst all four principles.

Rarely, if ever, will you only apply one single principle.

To begin...

Contrast

The idea behind contrast is to avoid elements on the page that are merely similar.

If the elements (type, color, size, line thickness, shape, space, etc.) are not the same, then make them very different.

Contrast is often the most important visual attraction on a page--it's what makes a reader look at the page in the first place.

It also clarifies the communication of a piece.

Repetition

Repeat visual elements of the design throughout the piece.

You can repeat colors, shapes, textures, spatial relationships, line thicknesses, fonts, sizes, fonts, sizes, graphic concepts, etc.

This develops the organization and strengthens the unity.

Alignment

Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily.

Every element should have some visual connection with another element on the page.

This creates a clean and sophisticated look. 

Proximity

Items relating to each other should be grouped close together.

When several items are in close proximity to each other, they become one visual unit rather than several separate units.

This helps organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure.

Pour Conclure

Design isn't supposed to be complicated.

At its very core, it is built upon an easy-to-understand foundation.

To build upon this simplicity, how can you remember these four principles with the snap of a finger?

Brace yourself...

C.R.A.P.

Contrast

Repetition

Alignment

Proximity

P.R.A.C., if you're around kids.

Please give thanks to Robin Williams' Book, The Non-Designers Design Book, for this awesome information.

Cheers,

Alexander @ Lumiere Visuals

P.S.

If you're looking for some design help, some of our favorite tools include the free-to-use Canva and, of course, our own catalog :)