Week 12 Page 4: Balance
Create Balanced Designs!
Why Balance Is Important
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The idea behind balance is that the "forces" (or elements) in a design are equalized. Balance is achieved by two forces of equal strength that pull in opposite directions, or by multiple forces pulling in different directions whose strengths offset one another. It is not a state of rest, but a state of equal tension.
A balanced composition pleases the eye! Lack of balance will irritate the viewer and impair the communication. (How do you feel when you see a crooked picture on the wall?) |
How to Work with Balance
Elements on a page have different visual "weights." For example, a small bright red ball might have the same visual "weight" as a larger grey rectangle. You have to look at the relative "weights" of the elements on the page and develop a balanced tension between them. Look carefully at your designs to be sure that they are not "heavy" in a particular location and therefore, off-balance. Also be aware of negative space, this element has an impact on the balance of a page. It has a visual "weight" too!
There are two different ways of handling balance: symmetry and asymmetry.
In symmetry, shapes are repeated on left and right or top and bottom, or as radial designs. Symmetrical designs convey a quiet sense of order and portray stability and tradition. To avoid static, boring symmetrical designs use contrast of value, texture and shape.
Asymmetry has a greater sense of movement and change. It is always on the verge of inbalance and experiments with the elements relative weights. It can be thrilling and visually exciting (or risk falling into inbalance).
Balance Examples
Let's look at some screen shots of web pages. We'll start with a symmetrical balance example!!
The elements in this example are symmetrically balanced along a center line. The site uses contrast and interesting graphics to offset the visual symmetry.
The following example demonstrates Asymmetrical balance. Notice how there is a dynamic tension between the content on the left and the image on the right. They are not placed in a symmetrical balance but the visual "weight" of the elements balances out so the design is not left or right heavy.
One last example (I apologize for this one!!). This could be said to use symmetrical balance but notice that even though the content is centered, there is visual competition between the elements. In terms of visual "weight" the background is the strongest element and overwhelms the rest of the content. And here (for your enjoyment) is the link: http://www.andystrailrides.com/ Links to an external site.
And lastly...
Successful Balance or Not?!!Look at the following sites and decide: Successful or Not Successful? • Charlie Dion: http://www.mixd.co.uk/ Links to an external site. • Remedy: http://www.remedycoffee.com/ Links to an external site. • We Heart: https://www.we-heart.com/ Links to an external site. • Jelly Roll Blues Band: http://jellyrollbluesband.com/ Links to an external site. You can post your comments to our class Weekly Class Discussion, Discoveries and Questions Forum if you want to discuss these sites with other students. |