Principles of Web Design

The principles of Web design are the same as the principles for design in general. With these principles you can create Web pages that are put together in an effective and aesthetic way. If you learn the principles of design, you'll have Web pages that look better and work towards their goals in a clear and efficient way. These articles and links will help you learn the prinicples of Web design.

The Importance of Whitespace in Web Designs
Whitespace is the space in your designs that is not content. Whitespace affects how your deigns are perceived.

The Principles of Design
The principles of design are how you apply design elements to your page. These principles are some of the more accepted methods of design.

The Elements of Design
The elements of design are the basic building blocks of all design projects. The elements of design include lines, shapes, texture, color, and direction.

Balance - Basic Principles of Design
Balance is a basic principle of design. Balance is the idea that large elements on a Web page should be balanced across the centerline or have a large number of corresponding smaller elements around it to keep the design even.

Color - Basic Elements of Design
Color is a basic element of design. It's not a required element of design, but good use of color adds dimension and style to your Web site designs. Learn more about color, hues, and values.

Contrast - Basic Principles of Design
Contrast is a basic principle of design. Contrast shows the differences between elements on the page. Big and small, black and white, square and circle - these are all contrasts.

Direction - Basic Elements of Design
Direction is a basic element of design. Direction is the way elements in your design are facing, lined up, or positioned. It's more than layout, as a design with just element can have a direction if that element suggests a direction within it.

Emphasis - Basic Principles of Design
Emphasis is a basic principle of design. Emphasis is often called dominance. With emphasis, designers showcase what is of highest priority in the design. Emphasis provides a visual hierarchy for the design.

Emphasis in Web Design
Trying to make everything on a Web page stand out means that nothing will stand out. Good designers learn to use emphasis wisely so that the important parts of the layout dominate without overwhelming and there is a visual hierarchy that leads the reader through the Web page. You do this through the use of design emphasis.


Flow in Design - Layout and Artwork that Conveys Motion
Visual flow carries the viewer's eye through the document. Using obvious flow elements like arrows or numbers is the most common way Web designers use flow, but there are other types of elements that can be used and mis-used to direct your readers to move along a specific path. The steps in this tutorial will show you examples of good and bad flow and help you learn the vocabulary of visual flow in design.

Lines and Linework
Lines and linework refers to the borders and dividers on designs that are made up of single or multiple lines. Lines act as a separator and delineate different parts of the design. Lines have density, length, and direction.

Rhythm - Basic Principles of Design
Rhythm is a basic principle of design. Rhythm or repetition is the expression of visual harmony within a design. Repetition and rhythm attract attention in a design and allow the viewer to relax as they recognize the pattern.

Shape - Basics of Design
Shape is a basic element of design. Shapes can be defined as a closed contour or a form that has the illusion of three dimensions.

Texture - Basic Elements of Design
Texture is a basic element of design. It defines the surface of objects. In Web design, texture is purely visual, but can imply a tactile sensation as well.

Unity - Basic Principles of Design
Unity is a basic principle of design. Unity or proximity