PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN AND APPLICATION

Lesson 5: Principles of Design - Balance and Rhythm

Informal balance

If objects do not attract the same amount of attention they must be placed at different distances from the centre. This second type of balance is called informal or occult or asymmetric balance. Informal balance is more subtle than formal balance and affords greater opportunity for variety in arrangements. The greater attraction must be toward the centre and weaker one farther away (Fig.5.4). Informal balance is referred to as active or dynamic because of the variety of ways in which an area may be organized. In planning an informally balanced design one has many more items to consider; the size and number of shapes or forms grouped on either side of the centre and the way in which the dark and light, bright or dull, warm or cool colours are used to give proper feeling of balance. Generally warmer colours, brighter intensities and darker values are associated with a feeling of more weight. The heavier forms of colours would be used in smaller areas or closer to the centre or in the lower part of the design.