The Principles of Design and Elements of Design

The Principles of Design and Elements of Design: 

There are many basic concepts in the field of design. These can be classified differently depending on teaching methodology or philosophy. You can group all of the basic beliefs of design into two categories: principles of design and elements of design.

Principles of Design are the distribution or the arrangement of objects within a composition. The Elements of Design are the components of design themselves or the objects to be arranged.

 1. The basic principles of design or the truisms of the design profession are as follows:

 • Balance
• Rhythm
• Proportion
• Dominance
• Unity

2. The basic elements of design or the truisms of the design profession are as follows:

• Lines
• Shapes
• Mass
• Texture
• Color


The elements of design are the building blocks of all designs, selected to deliver the message beyond the actual words or images used.