Creating a solid design that stands out among people involves a lot of work, and combination of different elements. When making a design, the designers usually work with 7 different elements. Sometimes, when creating a design, only one or two elements are utilized, and in some cases, all elements have to be used to generate a perfect visual. The 7 elements of a design are building blocks that every designer must skillfully use to produce impactful work. These elements guide the process and influence the final outcome.
Mastering these 7 elements of design will help you to work on solid ideas.
Line
One of the basic elements of design is a line which can convey a wide range of emotions and messages. A line is defined by its length and varies in width, and direction. Lines may run horizontally, vertically and diagonally. Horizontal lines suggest calmness and stability, whereas vertical lines imply strength and growth. Diagonal lines create movement and dynamism. The strategic use of lines help guide the viewer’s eye across the design.
Shape
When lines enclose an area, shapes are formed. Shapes can be geometric, or organic, and define boundaries and structure. They are essential in creating a visual hierarchy, organizing information, and then adding interest to the design. It is important to consider both positive and negative shapes in your design.
Space
Space is the area which is around and between the elements in a design. It can be positive or negative. The positive space refers to the space occupied by elements and negative shape refers to empty space surrounding the elements. The effective use of space ensures that design is not cluttered and helps to emphasize the important aspects of visuals. Negative space creates balance and allows the design to breathe, making it easier for viewers to focus on the key message.
Texture
Texture is an important element of design as it adds a tactile quality to it. It makes it appear more lifelike and engaging. In design, texture is usually perceived. It can be smooth, rough, soft or hard, and it has a strong impact on how a viewer interacts with a design. A textured background adds depth to a flat design, which makes it more visually appealing.
Value
Value is the lightness or darkness of the color, which creates a contrast and emphasis in a design. It can add depth, dimension and contrast to a design. It is important to understand value as it allows designers to create realistic representation of objects and scenes that they are working on. Use light and shadows to create a sense of form in your design. Experimenting with different levels of brightness evokes mood and atmosphere.
Size
Size refers to how big or small something is. The size that you will apply to an area in your design will determine how important it is. It is essential to lay-out the size of all components of your design to make it look attractive and organized.
Color
It is the most powerful element of design, which is capable of evoking emotions, setting a mood, and influencing perceptions. Each color in a design has its own associations. The right color palette unifies a design, and conveys your brand’s identity while attracting the viewer’s attention.