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11 Types of Visual Balance

 , August 24, 2016
Visual balance is the sense that a design is equally weighted on both sides of its vertical center. A balanced design feels complete and comfortable where a lack of balance feels unfinished and disconcerting. There are instances where an artist or designer goes for an unbalanced feel in order to invoke interest or create some effect. However, it is overwhelmingly common for designs and art to be balanced. As such, balance can be considered a principle of design. The following are elements of a balanced design.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance is a method of achieving balance by creating two sides that are mirror images. This is also known as balance by repetition.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical balance creates a sense of balance by contrasting dissimilar elements. This is considerably more difficult to master than symmetrical balance.

Position

Elements far from center feel heavier.

Shape

Complex shapes look heavier than simple shapes.

Color

Dark colors feel heavier than light colors.

Color Contrast

Elements with high-contrast colors look heavy.

Color Temperature

Hot colors feel heavier.

Texture

Texture influences the perceived heaviness of objects based on cognitive interpretations. For example, a bamboo-like texture might be perceived as light.

Isolation

Objects off by themselves look heavier.

Orientation

Diagonal elements feel heavier than horizontal or vertical elements.

Dominance

Dominant elements look very heavy.
Overview: Visual Balance
TypeVisual Design
DefinitionThe sense that a design or design element is equally weighted on both sides of its vertical center.
ValueGives design a complete feel.
Related ConceptsAsymmetrical Balance
Symmetry
Dominance
Composition
Layout

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Visual Design

A list of visual design techniques, elements and considerations.

Color Harmony

Why colors match or clash.

Dominance

A design element that is meant to catch the eye.

Symmetry vs Balance

The difference between symmetry and balance.

Proportion vs Scale

An overview of proportion and scale in design.

Design Contrast

The basic ways to create contrast in a design.

Design Unity

The common types of design unity.

Visual Communication Examples

A definition of visual communication with examples.

Information Design

The common elements of information design.

Modern Design

The defining characteristics of modern design.

Design

A comprehensive guide to design.

Color Theory

An overview of color theory.

Layout vs Composition

The arrangement of the elements of a design or work of art.

Modeless vs Contextual

The difference between modeless and contextual user interfaces explained.

Types Of Design

A list of common types of design.

Design Process

The steps in a design process.

Design Quality

The common types of design quality.

Universal Design

A definition of universal design with examples.

Sensory Design

A definition of sensory design with examples.

Emotional Design

An overview of emotional design.

Elegance

The definition of elegance with examples.
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