19 08 2016

When you’re designing for the web, visual design can be very complex. So let’s concentrate on the 6 most basic elements of design.

1. Lines – Help define shapes, divide sections, create separation and typically have length, width and direction.
2. Shapes – Self contained areas, composed of lines, values, color and texture, all objects are composed of shapes.
3. Color palette – Differentiate shapes and items, add depth and emphasis, organize information, evoke emotion and feeling and are usually brand specific.
4. Texture – Gives illusion of how a surface feels, is not usually a real texture like dirt or paper, can attract or divert attention.
5. Typography – Includes fonts you’ll use, size, color, spacing and alignment. Headings, sub headings, body are some of the examples of typography.
6. Form – Illusion of 3D object, adds depth and texture to object and used to accentuate message or provide visual appeal.

So once you consider visual design elements, there are seven principles of design commonly accepted in the industry. However, remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder and totally depends on not only the audience, but the owner of the site.

1. Balance – Can be symmetric or asymmetric, and is the arrangement and distribution of objects to create meaning.
2. Rhythm – Repetition of elements can create movement and establish pattern and texture.
3. Proportion – Known as scale, how does each item relate in size.
4. Space – Known as white space, used to reduce noise, clutter and increase readability.
5. Dominance – Is the focal point used, achieved through size,color, shape and is used to communicate the primary message.
6. Hierarchy – Differentiates primary and secondary focus, this is done by size, color and placement.
7. Unity – The big picture of design, how all elements are related or unrelated and the grouping of similar elements.

To learn more about these elements, go over to Udemy and sign up for Brad Hussey’s, The Ultimate Web Designer class.

You can also read about C.R.A.P. design (contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity) from The Non-Designer’s Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice, by Robin Williams, founder of Lynda.com.

Learning, Udemy, visual design, web, web design

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