This refers to the relationship of the area occupied by each elements in a design.

Visual Design Theory & the Web

To begin adapting traditional visual design practices to the Web we start by examining elements of design as they've been articulated for physical media for hundreds of years. Remember, the classic theory of design argues that a work of design is pleasing to its viewers as a result of how the elements of design are composed in accordance to the the principles of design.

Elements of design are the fundamental parts or aspects used to compose any work of design. It is important for web designers to know these elements because (1) they provide a defined vocabulary with which to discuss and explore; (2) focusing on individual elements may help us travel down creative avenues; (3) familiarity with the elements is critical for understanding how the principles work.

Line

Line is a form with width and length, but no depth. Line is characterized by length and direction(s). Artists use lines to create edges, the outlines of objects. Lines are also used to create perspective, and dominant directional lines are often adopted to create a sense of continuance in a composition. Line can be very simple, suggesting only abstraction, or it can suggest form even through simplicity.

Shape

Shapes can be created by enclosing line, or by color and value changes which define edges. Form and shape can be described as either organic or geometric.

• Organic forms are typically irregular in outline, and often asymmetrical. Organic forms are most often thought of as naturally occurring.
• Geometric forms are those which correspond to named regular shapes, such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, cones, and other regular forms. Architecture is usually composed of geometric forms. These forms are most often thought of as constructed or made.

Space

Space, or depth, is the eponymous property of our 3-dimensional world. It refers to the area that a shape or form occupies. Space can be defined as positive or negative.

• Positive space is the filled space, the object(s) or element(s) in the design.
• Negative space is the empty space, or the open space between design elements or objects, such as a background.

Designers can create the illusion of physical space and spatial relationships through:

• Linear Perspective
• Size & Vertical Location
• Overlapping
• Detail (Aerial or Atmospheric Perspective)

Texture

Texture is the surface quality of an object in a tactile sense. Texture is captured in a two-dimensional plane by varying the pattern of light and dark areas on an object. Textures are described by word such as rough, silky, or pebbly.

These are just a handful of the most useful elements of design, but they should have prepared you to move on to principles, which interpret how elements are applied.

Elements of Design

The elements of design create every object around us. Nothing can exist without these ingredients. The discipline of learning the power of these elements and formatting them within the principles of design is the responsibility of the designer.

Color - typically known as hue. This word represents a specific color or light wavelength found in the color spectrum, ranging circularly from red to yellow, green, blue and back to red.

Line - is a line just a series of points? Or is it the best way to get from point "A" to point "B"? As a geometric conception, a line is a point in motion, with only one dimension - length. Line has both a position and a direction in space. The variables of line are: size, shape, position, direction, number, interval and density. Points create lines, lines create shapes or planes and volume.

Mass - Here, mass is interchangeable with volume. A mass is a solid body or a grouping of visual elements (line, color, texture, etc.) that compose a solid form. Volume is a three-dimensional form comprising length, width, and depth. Three-dimensional forms contain points (vertices), lines (edges), and planes (surfaces). A mass is the two-dimensional appearance of a three-dimensional form.

Movement - Also known as motion. This element portrays the act or process of changing place or direction, orientation, and/or position through the visual illustration of starting or stopping points, blurring of action, etc. This is not animation, although animation is an end product of movement, as well as other elements of design.

Space - A two- or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Texture - A technique used in two-dimensional design to replicate three-dimensional surfaces through various drawing and media techniques. On three-dimensional surfaces, it is experienced by touch or by visual experience.

Type - Also known as typography, and it is considered an element in graphic design. Although it consists of elements of design, it is - in itself - often an element in the form of visual communication.

Value - Another word for the lightness or darkness of an area. Brightness measured in relationship to a graded scale from white to black.

Principles of Design

The principles of design are applicable to all design disciplines including - but not exclusive to - architecture, art, graphics, fashion, industrial design, poetry, writing, and web design.

The principles of design are tools used to format the elements of design.

Balance - The elements of design converge to create a design or arrangement of parts that appear to be a whole with equalibrium.

Contrast - The "automatic principle." Whenever an element is placed within a format, contrast is created in the various elements. Can be emphasized with contrast in size, shape, color, texture, etc., etc. Offers variety within a visual format.

Direction - Utilizing movement to create the visual illusion of displacement.

Economy - An principle operating on the "slim." Especially important when dealing with clients, where their product or service is more important than the elaboration of design elements. Can also be considered "precise," or "simplistic." Or, it can be considered great design.

Emphasis - Also known as dominance. This condition exists when an element or elements within a visual format contain a hierarchy of visual importance.

Proportion - A two- or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Rhythm - A recurrence or repetition of one or more elements within a visual format, creating harmony.

Unity - "Oneness," "Harmony," "Gestalt." The condition of completeness with the use of all visual elements within a format.

Which element of design refers to the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another a direction C size?

What is the relationship between elements and principles?

What are the elements of design?

Which element of design refers to the area that an object of the pies?