Week 7 Blog Assignment: Basic Layout and Design Principles

A layout is the process of planning and arranging in detail something such as a book or webpage to be produced. There are two types of layouts, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Layouts can be designed by figures, forms, and colors to produce an aesthetically pleasing result. In relation to design, there are several principles that aid in producing a visually appealing outcome; proximity, visual hierarchy, repetition, unity, contrast, dynamics, and emphasis. These basic design principles are utilized to organize the structural elements of your website and will assist in communicating the key themes of your composition. Most sites from which I gained pertinent information stressed the importance of either symmetry or asymmetry. Just because you are not using symmetry does not mean you are using asymmetry; it is possible for the elements of your website to be completely unbalanced and turn out looking messy. Designing an aesthetically pleasing and easily navigable website is crucial to the success of what you are attempting to communicate. C.R.A.P. as discussed earlier in the quarter, refers to contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity. These elements, in accordance with the aforementioned elements as well, will produce a successful site that viewers will want to visit again and again. With these layout and design elements in mind, I can produce my own, successful website.


"Basic Layout Principles." Basic Layout Principles. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. http://www.slideshare.net/SherwinM/basic-layout-principles

"Basic Design Principles." Swinburne Multimedia Design Tutorials -. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/tutorials/design/design/

"Principles of Design and Page Layout." Principles of Design and Page Layout. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.  http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/graphics_design/mitchell_S96/chap1_3.htm

"How C.R.A.P Is Your Site Design? - Treehouse Blog." Treehouse Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. //blog.teamtreehouse.com/how-crap-is-your-site-design