BalanceK1066BI – Graphical DesignTeppo RäisänenTeppo.raisanen@oamk.fi

Balance

•Balance is generally seen as equal visual weight

Balance

•The easiest way to achieve balance is using symmetrical balance▫We have a central axis dividing composition

in the middle - horizontally or vertically - with the same design on both sides

▫Mirror reflection

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Balance

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•Another examples are ▫Radial balance▫Crystallographic balance

Balance

•Radial balance▫Has a central focal point in a generally

square compositional format E.g. target, traffic signs

▫Used in many culture’s artistic works

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Balance

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•Crystallographic balance▫”All over” balance▫Usually done with grid-like composition,

certain variation is introduced to direct the eye throughout the design, with many focal points E.g. Quilt design, game of checkers

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•Asymmetrical balance is when there is no clear pattern▫There seems to be no balance▫Mismatched number of disparate elements▫Asymmetrical balance presents us with

more possibilities for arranging design elements

▫Is more dynamic than symmetrical design

Balance

Guiding eye with design

•Being able to guide our audience makes our design more effective and less stressfull to navigate

Guiding eye with design

•Contrast of color and size will guide users eyes

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Guiding eye with design

•Another key aspect is the use of focal points▫Focal point is a central point of attention or

interest▫They are the driving force to where your

eyes will move to, land, and then move to again

▫They are different than the central point of design

Focal point

Guiding eye with design

•Negative space▫Negative space is the white (or empty)

space around design elements▫Positive space is all the elements