Descriptive design words you should know

Designers have a vocabulary all their own. If you’re getting design work done, knowing the right terminology will help you communicate with one another and get the results you envision.

Take a look at these design terms. Study them. Commit them to memory. Here are the most important descriptive design words you should know:

Design

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Composition and layout
Composition is the arrangement of design elements that form a whole image. A successful composition attracts the viewer and guides their eye across the design. In visual art, you might hear this referred to as “form.” In graphic design, it’s often called layout. Composition is made up of a number of different visual design elements, including balance, proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast and white space.

Balance
This isn’t your ability to walk a straight line after three beers. In design, balance involves the placement of elements on the page so that the text and graphic elements are evenly distributed. There are three ways to achieve balance: symmetrically, asymmetrically and radially.

Symmetrical
Symmetry is achieved when all design elements are equal on both sides of a central line

Asymmetrical
When graphics and text are not equal on both sides of a central line, a design is said to be asymmetrical. In the example below, there is still balance, but there are graphics on one side and text on the other.

Radial
A radial design is one in which elements radiate from a central point, creating balance.

Proximity

The way in which design elements are grouped or spaced on a page is called proximity. Great design groups like elements together.

Alignment

Alignment is the position of text or graphics, whether left, right, centered or full justified..

Repetition

To maintain a unified look, designers repeat elements throughout a design.