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What Are the Different Types of Balance Principle of Design?

Published in Design Principles 5 mins read

In design, balance is a fundamental principle that refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition, creating a sense of stability, equilibrium, or harmony. There are five distinct types of balance commonly recognized in graphic design: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, mosaic, and discordant.

These different types of balance are crucial in visual arts and graphic design for guiding the viewer's eye and conveying specific feelings or messages.

Type of Balance Description
Symmetrical Elements on each side of a composition are given equal weight, creating a mirrored effect and a sense of formality and stability.
Asymmetrical Elements are not identical but are visually balanced through strategic placement of objects with varying sizes, shapes, colors, or textures, often creating a dynamic feel.
Radial All elements radiate outwards from a central point, drawing the eye towards the center and creating a strong sense of movement.
Mosaic Also known as allover or crystallographic balance, where all parts of the design are equally weighted, with no distinct focal point, creating a uniform, repetitive pattern.
Discordant An intentional disruption of visual equilibrium, using conflicting elements or unbalanced arrangements to create tension, visual unease, or a jarring effect for a specific artistic purpose.

Understanding the Types of Balance in Design

Balance, as a fundamental principle, brings a sense of stability and visual equilibrium to any composition. It's how the visual weight of elements is distributed within a layout. Mastery of these different types allows designers to create everything from serene and orderly designs to dynamic and disruptive ones.

1. Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance is when the elements on each side of a composition are given equal in weight. This type of balance creates a mirrored effect where one side of a composition is an exact or near-exact reflection of the other across a central axis. It's often associated with formality, stability, and tradition.

  • Characteristics: Creates a feeling of order, formality, and sometimes rigidity. It is predictable and visually calming.
  • Examples:
    • The human face, with eyes, ears, and nostrils roughly mirrored on either side of the nose.
    • Classical architecture, like the front of the White House or many cathedrals, where elements on the left are mirrored on the right.
    • Many corporate logos use symmetrical balance to convey reliability and professionalism.

2. Asymmetrical Balance

Unlike symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance involves elements that are not identical but still create a sense of equilibrium. Visual weight is balanced through the strategic placement of objects with varying sizes, shapes, colors, or textures. A large, simple shape can be balanced by several smaller, complex shapes, or a dark, dense area can be balanced by a larger, lighter area.

  • Characteristics: Often feels more dynamic, modern, and engaging. It can draw the eye around the composition and feels less rigid.
  • Examples:
    • A large, dark object on one side balanced by several smaller, lighter objects on the other.
    • A single bold headline on one side balanced by a smaller body of text and an image on the other.
    • Many contemporary art pieces and website layouts utilize asymmetrical balance for visual interest and to guide attention.

3. Radial Balance

Radial balance occurs when all elements radiate outwards from a central point, like spokes on a wheel or ripples in water. This creates a strong focal point in the center, drawing the viewer's eye inwards or outwards from that central hub.

  • Characteristics: Creates a strong sense of movement and energy, often leading the eye towards or away from the center. It implies expansion or concentration.
  • Examples:
    • A sunburst pattern or a mandala.
    • The design of a dartboard, a clock face, or a pinwheel.
    • Spiral staircases or circular stained-glass windows often exhibit radial balance.

4. Mosaic Balance (Allover Balance)

Also known as crystallographic balance or allover balance, this type of balance features a composition where no single element dominates, and there is no distinct focal point. All parts of the design are equally weighted and often repeated, creating a uniform, continuous pattern across the entire surface.

  • Characteristics: Creates a consistent, non-hierarchical visual field. It can be calming due to its uniformity or overwhelming if the pattern is too complex.
  • Examples:
    • A tiled floor or wallpaper pattern.
    • Fabrics with repetitive motifs or textures.
    • Some abstract paintings, like those by Jackson Pollock, where the visual weight appears distributed uniformly across the canvas.

5. Discordant Balance

Discordant balance is an intentional disruption of visual equilibrium. Rather than striving for harmony or stability, this type of balance deliberately uses conflicting elements or unbalanced arrangements to create tension, visual unease, or a jarring effect. It's often employed to provoke a strong emotional response, make a bold statement, or challenge traditional aesthetics.

  • Characteristics: Aims to create discomfort, shock, or a sense of breaking rules. It relies on a viewer's expectation of balance to then subvert it.
  • Examples:
    • Art installations that deliberately place objects at precarious angles or in clashing contexts.
    • Punk rock album covers or protest posters that use fragmented typography, distorted imagery, and conflicting elements to convey chaos or urgency.
    • Avant-garde fashion designs that intentionally appear off-kilter or disproportionate.

Understanding and applying these different types of balance allows designers to effectively communicate their message and evoke desired feelings within their audience.