THE PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Dr.M.Dhrakshayani

Assistant Professor

Dept.of Home Science

P.G.G.C.G-11

Balance

Emphasis

Rhythm

Harmony

Proportion

Symmetrical

Balance

Asymmetrical

Balance

Formal Balance

• One side is a mirror

image of the other

side

Informal Balance

• Objects on each side

of the central dividing

line are different.

• More exciting and

dramatic

Proportion describes how

the separate parts of a

garment relate to each

other.

Typically, about 3/8 of a

person’s total height is

above the waist, and 5/8 is

below.

Proportion

• Proportion is

the

relationship

between

objects, or

parts, of a

whole.

Proportion

• Elements seem to be an appropriate size for the space they fill.

Proportion

• The ratio of one part

to the whole.

• Things just look right.

Proportion

• The ratio of one part

to the whole.

• Things just look right.

Harmony

• Is it harmony?

• What do you think?

…Is when design elements

complement each other.

When harmony exists, each part

looks like it belongs.

Harmony

• Harmony is achieved

when Unity and

Variety are effectively

combined.

Harmony- Unity

• The design is seen as

“whole”.

• Unity can be achieved

through matching and

coordinating

Harmony- Variety

• Variety can relieve

monotony by giving

the eye a number of

different details to

look at.

Rhythm moves the eye

gently from one area of the

garment to another.

3 ways:

Repetition. A pattern repeats, as

with rows of stripes.

Radiation. Lines or patterns flow

from a central location, like the

gathers in a skirt.

Gradation. A pattern changes

gradually, as in a change of size or

color.

Rhythm- Repetition

When a design element is repeated

Rhythm- Opposition

• When lines meet to

form a right angle

• Checks and plaids

• Square necklines

• Square pockets

Rhythm-Gradation

Light to Dark

Thin to Thick

Small to Large

Rhythm- Radiation

Lines flow out from a single point.

The focal point of a design.

The part that draws attention.

Highlight your best features - - - - Draw attention away from figure problems

Use Color, Line, Texture,

Design, Details, Trims,

or Accessories.

Emphasis

• Emphasis creates a

center of interest

• Also referred to as a

Focal Point