Things are built in a specific way so that people can get an appealing effect towards it. But how to build such things (specifically websites/applications) that can be appealing to all? Read on to discover the 8 key essential design elements for effective design.
- These refer to the way design elements are arranged on a page or screen. A well-designed layout creates a clear visual hierarchy, emphasizes important information, gives clarity and guides the viewer's eye.
- Generally lines and different shapes are used to provide the layout.
- They can sometimes be formed using negative space too. (Ex: The Arrow mark in FedEx Logo)
- When wire-framing, these play a vital role in letting us understand all the other essential elements of design.
- Composition refers to the way individual design elements are combined to create a cohesive whole. An effective composition can create a sense of balance, harmony, and unity.
- At the heart of composition anywhere are Gestalt Principles.
- Hierarchy refers to the arrangement of design elements in order of importance. An effective hierarchy can help guide the viewer's eye to the most important information on a page or screen.
- We can create hierarchy with size, color, and typography.
- Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within a design. A well-balanced design can create a sense of harmony and stability.
- There are two common ways to achieve balance : Symmetry (Safe but maybe Boring) and Asymmetry (Risky but Interesting)
- Balance accounts for all of the necessary elements of a design and then places them within a layout in a way that makes sense and delivers essential innovation.
- Contrast refers to the noticeable difference between elements in a design. By using contrast, designers can create emphasis and draw the viewer's eye to specific areas of a design.
- Elements can contrast in color, shape, size, texture, orientation, or position.
- Effective for heightening visual interest.
- Repetition refers to the use of recurring design elements in a design. This can create a sense of unity and consistency.
- It makes it easier to navigate through the interface.
- Reinforces the ideology of balance and sometimes can create urgency.
- Color repetition can help users get familiarized with some specific actions like buttons.
- Scale refers to the size of design elements in relation to one another. By varying the scale of design elements, designers can create visual interest and emphasis.
- There are three main factors here:
- Size: Physical dimensions of a component.
- Scale: Size of a component in relation to it's surroundings.
- Proportion: Component's relative size wrt to other components in the layout.
- The Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio that is often used in design to create aesthetically pleasing proportions. It is found in many natural forms and can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony in design.
- It can be seen in various eye appealing artefacts like "The Birth of Venus", "Mona Lisa", "The Pepsi Logo", etc.
- Although it is not considered to be a "silver bullet" while designing, human brains seem to perceive things that follow this ratio as intuitive and familiar.
