Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
In music, we seek a balance among the parts that work together in harmony to form
good sounds. Even if the notes are played correctly, if there is no balance in volume
among the instruments, the quality suffers and the audience notices. When things are not
in balance, we notice it.
In the world of graphic design, too, we seek balance. Balance among the parts
contributes to harmony and keeps the viewer engaged. A balance among the elements
helps to activate negative space and smoothly guide the viewer's eyes from one part of
the design to another. An imbalanced design may get attention, but the discord among
the elements will be ineffective for guiding the eyes, thereby limiting the quality of the
message. Balance in a design also creates a sense of depth and movement, which
prevents the visual from feeling static
Symmetry
Symmetry occurs when both halves of a design are more or less similar. Essentially,
there are two types of symmetry.
Rotational symmetry
occurs when elements appear to rotate out from the center. This
type of symmetry can be rather dynamic, but it is harder to employ effectively.
Bilateral symmetry,
the most common type of symmetry used for slides, is achieved by
arranging the left and right sides of a visual to be virtually identical. This kind of
symmetry evokes feelings of stability and formality, an effect that may be desirable.
When you center a title and four lines of text in a slide—and center the logo at the bottom
—you have created a symmetrical slide. It may be balanced on each side, but it is also
static. Symmetry is not bad, but choosing to center all the elements on a slide often
leads to dead space or wasted space around the edges. Because elements are all
centered on a vertical axis, any white space is pushed off to the sides and is more or
less inactive.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry—or asymmetrical balance—occurs when contrasting elements are arranged
in such a way that the weight of the whole visual still appears balanced. The white space
in an asymmetrically balanced visual is activated and plays a key role in allowing the
positive elements to play off each other in a harmonious and balanced way.
Asymmetrical balance among elements of different sizes, weights, colors, etc., is an
effective way to guide viewers through a design.
