Proximity/Unity

Principles of Design

Online DefinitionUnity in a composition is achieved when all of

the design principles (balance, movement, emphasis, visual economy, contrast, proportion and space) have been correctly applied

My Definition Unity is when all of the main design principles

are combined to create an image that makes sense to the observer

Unity

The easiest way of creating unity is to include these elements in your design: Similarity: Try repeating colors, shapes, values,

textures, or lines to create a visual relationship between the elements. (Creates consistency and completeness)

Continuity: Treat different elements in the same manner. This helps to relate different objects by creating an uninterrupted connection or union.

Alignment: Arranging shapes so that the line or edge of one shape leads into another helps creates unity in your design. Try to imagine placing objects on the imaginary axis of other objects.

Proximity: Group related items together so that these related items are seen as one cohesive group rather than a bunch of unrelated elements. Elements that are positioned close to one another are perceived as being related while elements that are farther apart are considered less related.

Applying Unity

The image of these ducks shows similarity because the artist used SIMILAR figures throughout the design

The artist also uses SIMILAR colors to help express similarity in the designRed SunsetBrown Ducks

Similarity

In this painting you can see a few examples of continuityThe circle of the

tub is continued up the woman’s back

The table is also tangent to this circle

Continuity & Alignment

Edgar Degas. The Tub. 1886. Pastel, 60 x 82 cm. Louvre, Paris.

Proximity is a little more complicated (and important so I’m going to give two examples to describe it)

Proximity

Online definitionProximity in design simply means that objects

near each other are seen as a unit.

My definitionHow objects are grouped so that their

organization allows for a logical progression of ideas.

Like ideas grouped with like ideas“Like grouped with like”

Proximity

Look at the next three slides and watch how the information is organized differently so that it shows a more logical progression of ideas

Examples of Proximity

The information in this list is very disorganized and hard to understand and group without aid

Completely Unorganized

This list shows more organization because it groups the ideas as a topic with sub-topics beneath it

More Organized

This is the most organized version of the data because it changes font to indicate different ideas (topics, sub-topics, etc.)

It also uses indents to help separate ideas

Most Organized

This poster is being used to advertise a Ballet performance

The information is grouped badly Lot of text with no logical order The clip art doesn’t add anything The diagonal information doesn’t

catch your eyeTo improve this design the

information needs to be organized in logical groups1. Name of event and artist 2. General info about the event 3. Where it’s on and how much?

Using Proximity on a Visual

Using Proximity on a Visual

Ways to change the poster By changing some of the fonts Separating the information in

a logical order Adding a more intriguing

picture (to separate information and provide interest)

The Difference…

Farley, Jennifer. "Principles of Design: Proximity." Sitepoint. Sitepoint, 26 Nov. 2009. Web. 21 Nov. 2011. <www.sitepoint.com/principles-of-design-proximity/>.

"Principles of Good Design: Unity, Art Lesson #9." Original Oil Paintings by Artist Teresa Bernard. Sitepoint, 26 Nov. 2009. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-lessons-9.asp>.

"Principles of Design: Unity." University of Saskatchewan. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/unity.htm>.

Sources