Principles of Design - Emphasis

Emphasis: Given to an area within the design because that area is meant to be seen or is more important to be noticed when compared to other places of the design.

To identify emphasis, look at a design and see if you can easily answer these questions:

What is the first thing I see?
What is the second thing I see?
What is the third thing I see?

These questions lead you to recognize the visual hierarchy within a design.


Examples of How to Use Emphasis:

Line
In a design composed of horizontal lines, the vertical line becomes the focal point.

Shape
A square stands out from a group of circles or organic shapes.

Mass
The physically or visually heavier element or piece commands more attention.


Color
A splash of color or a strong change in value in an otherwise gray piece will draw the eye.



Balance
A perfectly symetrical piece may have no focal point because each element is equally emphasized. Radial balance generally draws the eye first to the central point in the design.


Contrast
Set words,phrases, or images in a contrasting bold type or italics to give them emphasis.

White space
Use white space to isolate elements and give them emphasis.