Principles of DesignExploration

Aesthetics and Communication Theory

Balance Arrange the shapes below to demonstrate the principle of balance. The objects can be moved, rotated, and resized so that the relative size and “weight” of the objects creates a sense of balance on the page.

Contrast Arrange the shapes below to demonstrate the principle of contrast. The objects can be moved, rotated, and resized so that they interact with each other to create a feeling of strong contrast.

Movement Demonstrate the principle of motion. Arrange the objects below so that their shapes and lines guide the viewer around the page. Note that the objects can be rotated and flipped to change their direction.

Proportion Use the principle of proportion to create a sense of three-dimensional depth. Arrange and resize the shapes below to create a city scene, using the relative size of the objects to show their relative distance from the viewer.

Feel free to duplicate objects if you’d like more to work with, or delete those that you do not need for your scene. Not that the objects can also be flipped to change their directions.

Emphasis Arrange the objects below to demonstrate the principle of emphasis so that the viewer is drawn to a specific focal point. Consider the shapes, lines, angles and colors present in the objects.

Unity Arrange the shapes below to create a sense of unity on the page.