In order to achieve balance in web design, you have to apply all the knowledge and skill accumulated through time, not to mention a lot of effort and energy. The importance of web design balance in this process cannot be underestimated, as it is the only thing that prevents the web designer from failing to meet the expectations of the user.
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Through the concept of web design balance, the designer actually ensures the equanimity of the web design process. It is through balance that he/she is able to maintain the harmony of the design process, while reaching all the usability objectives for a perfect user experience. Keep reading this article to discover more information on how to incorporate balance into your clients’ websites.
How is web design balance defined?
Easily define the concept of balance as the proportionate partitioning of visual weight in each and every web design project. It is a known fact that the visual balance is determinant by a vertical axis, the human eye requiring the same amount of visual weight on each side of the axis.
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Humans are known to be creatures of symmetry, with the balance being one of our most important innate senses. In the situation that elements of the website are not balanced with regard to the vertical axis, the result is not going to be pleasant (uncomfortable for the eyes).
Symmetrical balance
When we speak about symmetrical balance, we speak about mirror image balance. Try to imagine that, if a line were drawn through the page’s center, the elements that are present on the left are going to appear mirrored on the right (or vice versa). Thus, symmetrical balance can be obtained by the even placement of the essential design elements.
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In speaking about symmetry, you have to look at it as a balance of high formality. When used in web design projects, including for the making of web grid layouts, it can lead to a pleasant effect, the eye perceiving it as a soothing or comfortable element. The truth is that the concept has only become more popular as the one of responsive web design advanced in popularity (easy reproduction, no matter the size).
Symmetry classification
According to the specialists in the field, there are three major versions of symmetry:
- Reflection symmetry (also known as bilateral)
- Rotational symmetry (also known as radial)
- Translational symmetry
It is important to understand that each and every one of these symmetry types can be successfully used in the process of web design. This draws the interest of the user and guaranteeing the desired visual stability.
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1. Reflection symmetry
As it was mentioned above, this type is also known as bilateral symmetry. It is often presented as the mirror effect, which is self-explanatory.
If we were to think about the most often encountered reflection, we would have to say that is the horizontal reflection. For example, think about a butterfly or the human body. All of these types of reflections have a vertical central axis.
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Interestingly enough, this type of symmetry can be vertical, diagonal or any other direction for that matter. In the situation that the mirror effect is perfect, we are talking about a pure symmetry. Unfortunately, in the majority of the situations, it can be difficult to achieve perfect results. Instead, there are slight variations, this being presented under the umbrella term of near symmetry (more often encountered).
It is common for this type of symmetry to occur over more than one axe simultaneously. Let’s take an example in order to understand this concept. In composition, the mirror effect can be noticed for both the right/left halves and also for the top/bottom. A perfect example is represented by snowflakes, in which the reflection symmetry is present in more than two axes.
2. Rotational symmetry
Rotational symmetry is also known as radial and it can be described as the rotation of an object, that occurs around a specific point, in a definite direction. It is true that rotation symmetry is often encountered in nature. Such as the flower’s petals or the jellyfish’s topside view.
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Not surprisingly, in the field of art and design, the purpose of the rotational symmetry is to mimic the sensation of motion or speed. This is valid including in the situation that the chosen medium is static, the rotational symmetry being used to convey the desired action.
3. Translational symmetry
This is also known as crystallographic symmetry, being encountered in the situation that the same element appears in various locations. In order to understand this concept, try to imagine the repeating fence posts. It is precisely this repetition that lies as foundation for the translational symmetry.
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The interesting thing is that the translational symmetry can take place in various directions or distances. The condition being for the basic orientation to remain as it originally was. Reproduction is the way through which translational symmetry is sometimes developed. Thanks to this type of symmetry, you can devise a wide range of things, such as speed, motion, pattern and dynamic action.
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Different patterns are created with the help of the translational symmetry, as it occurs in the situation of website elegant & creative backgrounds that are tiled or if the design elements repeat themselves. It is also known that this type of symmetry can be used as the rotational one, in order to provide the user with the sensation of motion and speed (strategic use).
What is the asymmetrical balance?
It is a well-known fact that it is more difficult to design web pages that are asymmetrically balanced, due to the fact that elements are not balanced in accordance to the design’s centerline. Let’s provide an example, in order to understand what the asymmetrical balance is all about.
If you decide that a bigger element should be placed at a short distance from the centerline, the asymmetrical balance can be created by the placement of an element that is smaller in size, at a greater distance from the centerline.
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The balancing of an asymmetrical design can also be obtained through the usage of various colors or textures. It goes without saying that the asymmetrical balance is more interesting than the symmetrical one. This is because symmetry is deficient when it comes to visual hierarchy, while asymmetrical designs are all about that.
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You should not interpret this as meaning that the asymmetrical layouts are completely unbalanced, whereas their composition is concerned. On the contrary, this also means that the elements chosen for the design process do not find their position in carbon copies.
What you should know about radial balance
Radial balance, as its name clearly points out, refer to the radiation process of the design elements that are present on the web page. This begins in a central point, extending towards points that are located at an equal distance. If we were to provide some examples, we would have to mention the radiating rays of the sun. Or the rippling effect occurring on the surface of the water.
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This is indeed a unique form of balance. What makes it even more special is the fact that the radiating effect is valid for both directions (easier to maintain the focal point).
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Mosaic balance
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This is also known as crystallographic balance, being directly produced by balanced chaos. In order to understand this concept, think about the paintings that were made by Jason Pollack. No specific focal points can be identified throughout the composition. While a homogeneous accent can be identified at the level of all the elements. When looking at it for the first time, you might notice the visual noise, which is caused by the absence of hierarchy. Paradoxically, everything comes together, working just fine.
Balance in web design
You might not be aware of this fact but the different types of balance share a number of common features. When a design has a web balance that is both alluring and fascinating, it is a sign that there are a number of factors at play. Every day, millions of websites are visited but not many people think about balance as a part of web design.
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The importance of web design balance cannot be underestimated. Thanks to the proper usage of web balance, the visual appeal of a website is increased. Moreover, the quality of the user experience is improved, as the user has the opportunity to absorb the visual information in a more facile manner. Overall, this contributes to a better navigating experience on the respective website.
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There are three factors that can be taken into consideration when it comes to the web design balance, meaning harmony, stabilizers and essence. In the end, when you achieve good balance for a website, you ensure a beneficial user experience.
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Conclusion
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Balance in website design is one of the key principles, as it is in everyday life. When we speak about a balanced design, we also speak about a uniform composition. This gives the client the desired user experience and a sense that everything is as it is supposed to be.
In the situation that the design is not properly balance, the individual elements are going to draw more attention than the whole. As each part gains increased visibility, it should come as no surprise that the web user identifies more messages (instead of just one).
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