Did you know there are 7 principles of design? Explore them now! 

Designing is a popular career option and an umbrella term for fields like fashion designing, interior designing, web designing, jewellery designing, automobile designing and many more. While design continues to emerge as a go-to career choice for youngsters, it’s time to understand the foundation of design and how it is made up of certain elements and principles. The elements of design include visual tools such as line, shape, texture, form, colour, value and space. On the other hand, principles of design represent how the designer uses the elements to create an impact and convey his or her intent. There are seven principles of design. They are balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity/variety. These principles help to understand whether a design is complete or a success. Let us now understand them in close details. 

Balance 
Balance represents the visual weight of the elements in a design. It offers a sense whether the design is stable or ‘right’ even in its abstract or imperfect state. It ensures that the viewer is comfortable in the presence of the design. Balance in a design can be achieved in three ways, through symmetry, asymmetry and radial symmetry (in which elements are equally spaced around a central point.  

Contrast 
Contrast is the difference between the elements of design and how when they are placed next to each other appears stronger and attracts the viewers’ attention better. Contrast can be achieved through juxtaposition of any of the elements or placing complementary colours side by side. 

Emphasis 
Emphasis refers to when the designer creates a particular area in the design that is not only visually dominant but also governs the attention of the viewers. Emphasis often includes use of contrasts. 

Movement 
Movement refers to the usage of the elements in such a way that they are able to move the viewers’ eyes around but keep them within the design. Movement is created with the help of diagonal or curvy lines, by illusion of space and by repetition within the design. 

Pattern 
Pattern refers to the uniform repetition of any or all of the elements of design or any of their combination. With the use of repetition, anything can be turned into a pattern within a design. Popular examples of patterns include spirals, grids, and weaves. It relies largely on consistency. 

Rhythm 
Rhythm is included in a design when patterns follow movement in a non-uniform yet organised manner. It is almost like the rhythm in music. It relies largely on variety.  

Unity/Variety 
The goal of a design is to fit all elements together in a unified and comfortable way. While too much unity in design leads to monotony, too much variety creates chaos. The key is to balance both as per the designer’s preference.