1. Levels of Scale
A balanced range of sizes is pleasing and beautiful.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com, Roderick Cameron
2. Strong Centers
Good design offers areas of focus or weight.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com, Andre Martin
3. Boundaries
Outlines focus attention on the center.
Courtesy of
www.natureoforder.com
4. Alternating Repetition
Repeating elements creates a sense of order and harmony.
5. Positive Space
The background should reinforce rather than detract from the center.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com, Private Collection
6. Good Shape
Simple forms create an intense, powerful center.
Yukio Futagawa
7. Local Symmetries
Organic, small-scale symmetry works better than precise, overall symmetry.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com,
Oleg Grabar
8. Deep Interlock & Ambiguity
Looping, connected elements promote unity and grace.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com
9. Contrast
Unity is achieved with visible opposites.
Courtesy of www.natureoforder.com, Charles K. Wilkinson
10. Gradients
The proportional use of space and pattern creates harmony.
11. Roughness
Texture and imperfections convey uniqueness and life.
12. Echoes
Similarities should repeat throughout a design.
13. The Void
Empty spaces offer calm and contrast.
14. Simplicity & Inner Calm
Use only essentials; avoid extraneous elements.
15. Not-Separateness
Designs should be connected and complementary, not egocentric and isolated.
