Balance

In a figurative sense, the concept of visual balance is similar to that of physical balance illustrated by a seesaw. Just as physical objects have weight, so do the elements of a layout. If the elements on either side of a layout are of equal weight, they balance one another. There are two main forms of visual balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance, or formal balance, occurs when the elements of a composition are the same on either side of an axis line. The digital painting Contemplation by David Lanham, shown in Figure 1.9, is a great example of this concept. Notice how the male and female figures in this painting are almost the same in position and proportion. Even the shaded background boxes are mirror images of one another.

Figure 1.9: Symmetrical balance—Contemplation by David Lanham

Although it may not be practical for all designs and clients, this type of symmetry—called horizontal symmetry—can be applied to web site layouts by centering content or balancing it between columns. The Grow Collective web site is an example of such symmetry. Notice on the page shown in Figure 1.10 that the content areas graduate from a single column at the very top of the page, to two columns, to three columns at the bottom of the window; yet the layout still maintains its symmetrical balance. Most of the rest of the site’s content is divided into symmetrical columns as well.

Figure 1.10: Grow Collective web peg

The two other forms of symmetrical balance are less common in web site design, due to the nature of the medium. However, they’re commonly exhibited in logo and print design.

These are:

Bilateral symmetry, which exists when a composition is balanced on more than one axis

Radial symmetry, which occurs when elements are equally spaced around a central point