Principles of Design

The principles of design 设计原则 are the "rules" for arranging the elements of art. The first is balance 平衡 — the visual distribution of weight so a work feels stable.

Symmetrical balance mirrors a central axis; asymmetrical balance weighs different elements; radial balance radiates from a centre

• Symmetrical (formal) balance 对称平衡 mirrors both sides of a central axis — calm and orderly.
• Asymmetrical (informal) balance 非对称平衡 uses different elements of equal visual weight 视觉重量 — dynamic and lively.
• Radial balance 辐射平衡 arranges elements around a central point.

Visual weight is affected by size, colour, value, and position: a small bright shape can balance a large dull one.

Leonardo's Vitruvian Man: the figure is drawn with near-perfect symmetry about a central vertical axis, and the surrounding circle gives it radial balance too

Emphasis 强调 makes one part of a work stand out as the centre of interest — the focal point 视觉焦点, where the eye is drawn first.

• Emphasis is created through contrast — of size, colour, value, isolation, or placement.
• Leading lines and the rule of thirds help place a strong focal point.
• Subordination 从属 keeps other areas quieter so the focal point leads.

Contrast 对比 is the difference between elements — it creates energy, variety, and readability.

• Contrast can be of value (light/dark), colour (complementary), shape, texture, or size.
• Strong contrast attracts attention and defines a focal point; low contrast unifies and calms.
• In design, value and size contrast create clear visual hierarchy 视觉层次.

Movement 动感 leads the viewer's eye through a work; rhythm 节奏 is the repetition that creates a visual "beat".

• Movement is the path the eye takes, guided by line, edges, colour, and placement.
• Rhythm types: regular (even), flowing (curving), progressive 渐进 (gradual change), and random.
• Repetition with variation keeps rhythm interesting rather than monotonous.

Van Gogh's The Starry Night: swirling brushstrokes sweep the eye across the sky (movement), and the repeated curls give it a rolling rhythm

Repetition 重复 reuses an element; a pattern 图案 is the repeated element arranged in a predictable way.

• Repetition of shape, colour, or line builds unity and rhythm.
• A pattern is a repeated motif 母题 — regular (a grid or tessellation) or irregular.
• Too much repetition feels monotonous; changing scale or colour adds variety.

William Morris's Strawberry Thief: one motif of birds among strawberries repeats in a regular pattern across the whole cloth

Proportion 比例 is the size relationship between parts; scale 尺度 is the size of an element relative to something else.

The rule of thirds places key elements on the third-lines; hierarchical scale makes the important element largest

• Proportion compares the sizes of parts within a work (head to body).
• Hierarchical scale 等级比例 makes the most important element the largest.
• Exaggerated or distorted proportion can express emotion or draw attention. The golden ratio 黄金比例 is a historic guide to pleasing proportions.

Unity 统一 holds a work together as a whole; variety 变化 adds interest so it is not dull. Good design balances the two.

• Unity comes from repetition, proximity 邻近 (grouping), continuity 连续性 (aligning elements along a line or edge so they read as one group), and a limited palette.
• Variety is difference that prevents monotony. Harmony 和谐 comes from similar elements.
• The best works achieve unity with variety — order that still surprises.

Composition 构图 is how all the elements and principles are arranged within the picture plane 画面.

• The format 画幅 (portrait, landscape, square) shapes the design.
• The rule of thirds 三分法 places key elements along third-lines and their intersections.
• Cropping 裁剪 decides what is included and what is cut, changing emphasis and tension.
• A strong composition unifies the elements while creating a clear focal point — this is what the AP portfolio's 2-D skills are judged on.

Worked example (applying the concept). To explain balance in a composition: "The large dark shape on the left is balanced by three small bright shapes on the right — this is asymmetrical balance, which gives the piece visual weight on both sides while keeping it dynamic rather than static." A full answer names the principle, points to specific evidence in the work, and states the effect on the viewer.

• For every work, state which principle organises it — balance, emphasis, contrast, movement, or unity.
• Justify balance through visual weight, not just symmetry.
• Ensure one clear focal point, and name the emphasis technique that creates it.
• Aim for unity with variety — name the unifying device and the source of interest.
• Plan composition with the rule of thirds and thumbnails before committing.