Design and Layout: Balanace
Balance is the equal distribution of visual weight in a design, balance occurs aroun a vertical axis.
Blance gives emphasis and contrast to a design and if used properly can give certain desired effects.
There are 4 major types but here only 3 will be discussed.
1.
Symmetrical or formal balance: This is known as bilateral symmetry, it is created by repeating the reverse of a design on the opposite side of the vertical axis, each side in essence becomes the mirror image of the other.
Symmetry achieves balance through repitition and it is considered as a formal, stable and quiet but quite boring design.
It is commonly used in architecture and product design.
Example:
source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiWqe37luup9AcrrnhvcBaAGw8_ep_PsaONVbXeRrG1QgJymhDBpb8Skzx4cNcB8mbzdYZDl29AnP43SHWryqyTNZgi9h69IUpiEnv6Cfl_0nOhyY5Nq9Nj_puBb6DW-3JKRft9IN3-w-/s400/daniel-craig-james-bond.jpg
The example above illustrates symmetrical balance because, it can be symmetrically divided and balanced visually on both sides.
The example above illustrates symmetrical balance because, it can be symmetrically divided and balanced visually on both sides.
2.
Asymmetrical balance: This is a causal, interesting and more dynamic form of balance, it is usually informal and involves different elements that have equal visual weight, the weight is equal but the elements are not identical.
It generally achieves balance though contrast.
Example:
source: http://ifiwereasnowman.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/guesswhoposter.jpg
The design above is asymmetrically balance because of the coherence in space and weight and the balance of space of the empty seat is complemented by the type contrast above the seat.
source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppeub8PbiJvDjuROJ1wrJYGt_jKhdMPT8d47uOvAlxpPNvZ92JO1sIQHENlRg35y_UCrzDphsbXBM3nJDQ94KpyE8o0_d14WLzeokSV4rhlG1__uEvvsygm5ET9lKivYnbPOvuCE5pFE/s1600/Asymmetrical+Balance.png
The design above is asymmetrically balance because of the coherence in space and objects as the many littl tiles and space is complemented by the one large piece and space on the other side.
3.
Radial balance: This occurs when all the elements radiate out from a central point and the visual weight is distributed equally. It creates a strong focal point in the center of the design.
Example:
source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PlPD1QlsW8/UGX6V6M3zMI/AAAAAAAAADg/53nq3ZBbEN0/s1600/6346490_orig.jpg
The design above is radially balanced by the equal amount of weight and balance of space all originating from the centre.
source: http://faculty.rcc.edu/hewitt/Adobe_Photoshop/Balance/WIRED_Magazine.jpg
The design above is radially balanced by the equal amount of weight of the photos and balance of text and colour all originating from the centre.
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