E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

unityTriptychTriptychTriptych

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

UnityIn a well-unified design all of the elements work together to create a whole. A unified design is greater than the sum of its parts; the design is perceived first as a whole, before the elements are seen individually.

Unity is based on the gestalt theory of visual perception, which states that the viewer is looking for a unified whole (a gestalt). The eye and brain look for relationships between the elements, for some sort of organization, for unity in the design.

A gestalt is created because the mind simplifies and organizes information. It does this by grouping elements together to create new wholes. Understanding how the mind groups elements (by proximity, similarity, alignment and continuation) helps us understand how unity can be achieved.

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

Proximity is based on grouping by closeness; the closer the elements are to each other, the more likely it is they will be perceived as a group. Proximity is one of the easiest ways to achieve unity.

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

Similarity is based on grouping by repetition; elements that look alike are perceived to be related. Anything can be repeated – line, shape, color, value, texture, direction or size. Repetition helps unify a design by creating similarity between elements and is one of the most effective ways to unify a design.

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

Continuation means that something (a line, an edge, a curve, a direction) continues from one element to another. The eye will follow a continuing line or edge from one element to other and the mind will group the elements because of this connection. Implied lines are one example of continuation.

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

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A triptych ( /ˈtrɪptɪk/ TRIP-tik; (from the Greek ("three-fold"),

is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into

three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together

and can be folded shut or displayed open. The middle panel is

typically the largest and it is flanked by two smaller related works,

although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels.

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n

E l e m e n t s a n d P r i n c i p l e s o f D e s i g n