Basic Design

1. Figure
Ground Relationship
Principles
2. Proportion
3. Balance
4. Rhythm
5. Repetition
6. Harmony
7. Unity
8. Contrast
9. Emphasis
10.Proximity
11.Closure
12.Functionality

FIGURE GROUND RELATIONSHIP

A figure is an element or shape placed on a page,
canvas, or other background.
Ground is the space of the page.
A figure is also called
object
form

4 figures arranged random

with negative space
resulting

element
or positive shape.
Ground is alternately
called

The same 4 figures arrang

to create positive space
( a triangle)

space
residual space
white space
or field

The same 4 figures arrang

to create positive space
( a letter )

We Move through negative spaces and dwell in positive

spaces

Proportion
Proportion is also relative sizes of surface areas of different colors in a
room.
The proportion of color areas such as on a wall of a living room may be
chosen to be visually pleasing.
Proportion also depends on functionality of object.
For example, for the best proportion between a room and furniture, the
sizes of furniture depends on the size of the room.

Balance
Balance is defined as visual equilibrium.
Can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical depending
on if the right or left side is identical or not.
Can be balance by location of objects such as
- windows on a house
- balance by volume or sizes of objects,

- balance by color (like desired brightness in a room).

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Balance lighter colors with darker colors,
Balance natural colors and
Patterns with synthetic colors,
Balance bold colors with light neutral colors,
Colors with high contrast in a room may be more
visually pleasing to younger people.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANC

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

BALANCE BY GEOMETRY

BALANCE BY
CONFIGURATION

BALANCE BY POSITIVE AND

NEGATIVE

Rhythm and repetition

The recurrence of elements within a whole is called repetition.
The repetition of strong elements is also called as Rhythm.
Rhythm is a repeating pattern like four identical candles space
evenly apart on a
book shelf.
Add rhythmic patterns as some wall paper on a room wall to add
and visual appeal to a room.
interest, color

Harmony

Harmony can best be defined as a pleasing arrangement of

parts
whether it be color
poetry
art and
geometry to form holistic object.
In visual experiences, harmony is something that pleases the
eye.
A common trait could be:
color(s),
shape(s),
texture,
pattern(s),
material,
theme,
style,

HARMONY

HARMONY IN COLOUR

HARMONY IN PATTERN

HARMONY IN GEOMETRY

Unity
unity occurs when all of the elements of a piece combine to make
a balanced, harmonious, complete whole

UNITS AGGREGATE TO FORM WHOLE

UNITS OVERLAP T O FORM WHOLE

UNITS CONTAINED IN WHOLE

Contrast
Contrast is the occurrence of contrasting elements, such as
Color
Value
Size., etc.
It creates interest and pulls the attention
toward the focal point.

Contrast may occur betweenCONTRAST IN GEOMETRY, COLOR AND T EXT

Geometry
color
texture
& light etc.

Emphasis
Guides the eye into through and out of the image through the use
of sequence of various levels of focal points.
primary focal point
secondary
Tertiary .,etc.

EMPHASIS GUIDES THE EYE TO A FOCAL

POINT

Proximity
Proximity occurs when elements are placed close together.
They tend to be perceived as a group.

The nine squares

above are placed
without proximity.
They are perceived as
separate shapes.

When the squares are

given close proximity,
unity occurs. While they
continue to be separate
shapes, they are now
perceived as one group

Closure
Closure occurs when an object is incomplete or a space is not
completely enclosed.
If enough of the shape is indicated, people perceive the whole by filling
in the missing information

Functionality
A design must have good functionality.
For example a bedroom must function well as a place to sleep and
store clothing as well as looking nice.
Proper functionality is simply the best possible design and best
possible location of this design that the occupant(s) requires.

MULTI FUNCTIONAL MASTER BEDROOM AND

KITCHEN