RULES OF GOOD DESIGN

Alignment :

•  Items on the page should line up with one another appropriately.

•  Don't center-align everything; left alignment is often a cleaner look because it creates a stronger line.

Visual Hierarchy :

•  Emphasize important elements.

•  Organize content logically and predictably.

•  Use layout to lead the reader's eyes through
the page.

•  Avoid distracting, unnecessary graphic elements.

•  Don't make everything look equally important.

Balance :

•  Elements on the page should give a sense of equilibrium or wholeness.

•  Use an appropriate proportion of text to graphics.

•  Use colors to create mood or style.

•  Create balance around your page's focal point.

Repetition/Consistency :

•  Repeat certain elements throughout a design (e.g., navigation bars or logos) to provide consistency, which helps tie the design's pages together.

•  Keep repeating elements in the same place from page to page.

•  Keep some consistency of design from page to page (including fonts, formatting, use of headings and graphics, etc.).

Proximity :

•  Items placed closely together appear to be related or connected in some way.

•  Group together those items that belong together.

•  Remain conscious of the white space between page items and of what that space implies.

Contrast :

•  Provide variety within a design by utilizing different colors, shapes, sizes, etc.

•  Always make sure the foreground text has good contrast with the background.

•  Use contrast to set off the various elements of a design (e.g., distinguish a sidebar or navigation bar from the rest of the page using a contrasting color).

adapted from adobe.com