Design principles

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Design principles are fundamental guidelines or concepts used to inform and shape the creation of objects, systems, visual layouts, and user experiences. Rooted in fields such as graphic design, architecture, industrial design, and software engineering, these principles help designers make decisions that improve functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility. Common examples include balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy, and unity, which ensure visual coherence and ease of use. In user‑centered and interaction design, principles like affordance, feedback, and consistency enhance usability and user satisfaction. By providing a shared language and best practices, design principles support clear communication across disciplines, streamline creative processes, and help achieve effective, meaningful, and inclusive outcomes.

• Symmetry

Increasing an element's scale in a design piece increases its value in terms of hierarchy and makes it to be seen first compared to other elements while decreasing an element's scale reduces its value.

• Composition (visual arts)
• Gestalt laws of grouping
• Interior design
• Landscape design
• Pattern language
• Elements of art
• Principles of art
• Color theory

• Kilmer, R., & Kilmer, W. O. (1992). Designing Interiors. Orland, FL: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. ISBN 978-0-03-032233-4.
• Nielson, K. J., & Taylor, D. A. (2002). Interiors: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ISBN 978-0-07-296520-9
• Pile, J.F. (1995; fourth edition, 2007). Interior Design. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. ISBN 978-0-13-232103-7
• Sully, Anthony (2012). Interior Design: Theory and Process. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-1-4081-5202-7.

• Art, Design, and Visual Thinking. An online, interactive textbook by Charlotte Jirousek at Cornell University.
• The 6 Principles of Design