ELEMENTs OF DESIGN

1: LINES2: SPACE3: COLOUR4: TEXTURE5: SHAPES

LINES

VERTICAL LINES Vertical lines simulate height and can create a mood of grandeur or

spirituality. Great examples of this is the vertical line usage in churches and cathedrals where ceilings are lifted on tall vertical

pillars guiding the eyes upward. In web design vertical lines tend to represent or create length and indicate to the user that there is more

content below the fold.

VERTICALLINES

HORIZONTAL LINESHorizontal lines generally create relaxation or a calming mood, they tend to be

quiet and subtle whereas vertical lines are more imposing and powerful. In web design horizontal lines are also known for their ability to organize content. When

you look at gridded layouts you’ll notice that horizontal lines are the elements creating balance and organization — even though grids are generally laid

vertically.

HORIZONTAL LINES

DIAGONAL LINESDiagonal lines are the greatest way to create movement and direction. Where horizontal lines suggest gravity and are stable, diagonal lines are more unstable. These lines don’t lay down or stand up in a restful

position, they are in motion and you can actually create a sense of speed just by simply adjusting the pitch of the lines: the steeper, the

faster.

DIAGONALLINES

Thick lines are visually powerful on the canvas, they represent power and respect. The use of thick lines can build a feeling of power and

boldness. However, the overuse of thick lines can be very overwhelming and way too demanding so you’ll need to be careful and

balance them off with other visual elements or differing weights of line.

THICK LINES

THICK LINES

THIN LINES

Thin lines tend to feel fragile, but their subtle feeling makes them great for directing the eye without being annoying. They are also empathetic

to the viewer and tend to create a feeling of comfort and tranquility. Combining thin and thick lines is a great way to create visual interest and hierarchy by balancing the visually demanding thick lines with

the subtle, comforting thin lines.

THIN LINES

ZIG-ZAGZigzag lines are a combination of diagonal lines that connect at points. They take on the dynamic and high energy characteristics of diagonal

lines. They create excitement and intense movement. They convey confusion and nervousness as they change direction quickly and frequently. They can imply danger and destruction as they break

down.

ZIG-ZAG

BROKEN LINESThe dashed line is exquisitely rich with information. A line formed from a continuous series of dashes is diminished in strength when compared to a solid line, yet in terms of visual language, it is just as

powerful. The weakness of the dashed line is it’s strength.

BROKEN LINES