Balance
Design Principles
Achieves visual equilibrium by distributing elements and their visual weight throughout a composition.
In practice
Throughout design, balance involves the distribution of visual elements to create stability and harmony within a composition. Designers use balance to ensure that visual weight is evenly distributed, whether through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements, fostering a sense of equilibrium and cohesion in the overall design.
Questions
What is Balance?
Balance is the distribution of visual weight across a composition, so it feels settled rather than tipping to one side.
Why do you use Balance?
An unbalanced layout makes people uneasy without their knowing why, and pulls attention to the wrong place.
How do you use/apply Balance?
Symmetry is the easy route; asymmetric balance is stronger, offsetting a large quiet element against a smaller loud one. Squint at the layout and see where it leans.
When do you use Balance?
In every composition, but it matters most in layouts with few elements, where each one carries more weight.
Who uses Balance?
Graphic designers, art directors and anyone laying out a page or a screen.
