We are continuing the series with the newest articles focusing on design principles as part of Shabaqo Academy. The design principles will help better understand elements of the design and how they interact when creating engaging visuals. Today, we will cover the design principle called Emphasis.
In a few articles, we already discussed major elements of the design and clarify its purpose with a variety of examples. So, stay tuned and follow up on the rest of the Design principles series here.
What is Shabaqo Academy?
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Design principles: Emphasis
What is Emphasis?
The emphasis, when it comes to design, refers to parts of a design that need to stand out. This shows the degree to which the information on the design is meant to be highlighted.
It can be emphasized or deemphasized.
Purpose of Emphasis
With Emphasis, the main purpose is for the designer to direct the viewer’s attention to a specific design element or a message. It can be anything, from text, image, color, shape, button, or a link of some sort. Most often you can see such interaction with banners and ads, providing a specific area on which you need to click (example: learn more, apply, click here button).
How to create Emphasis in design?
There are many ways how to can create emphasis in design. This includes shapes, lines, colors, textures, weight, balance, contrast, and many others. Here are some of the tools you can use to create emphasis:
1. Shapes
If you want to include any sort of shape in your design, let’s say a circle, use that circle to emphasize the information needed. It can be any type of shape as long as the pattern is consistent. You can use any of the design principles such as balance, contrast, hierarchy, or others to fill out the space. Shapes, together with color, and sizing are one of the most eye-catching elements of design.
2. Lines
To direct the attention of the design you can use lines. With lines not only you will determine the direction of the artboard but also create a distraction. To point out the message even more you can always break the lines with the different flows, such as horizontals with verticals and vice versa.
3. Color
Just like we discussed in the Contrast article, you can always emphasize the difference in elements with colors. The colors will drag attention from one area to the next. You can use complementary colors for gradual transition or something totally different.
4. Textures
Textures, shadows, or highlights are great for grabbing attention. Use them to make your design stand out even more.
Find out more about design principles
You can follow all the articles in the design principles series here. We will be back with a new article soon. Until then, leave us a comment below, and feel free to suggest topics you would like to learn about!