1. Proximity/Unity

2.  Online Definition
 Unity in a composition is achieved when all of the
design principles (balance, movement, emphasis, visual
economy, contrast, proportion and space) have been
correctly applied
 My Definition
 Unity is when all of the main design principles are
combined to create an image that makes sense to the
observer

3.  The easiest way of creating unity is to include these elements in your
design:
 Similarity: Try repeating colors, shapes, values, textures, or lines to
create a visual relationship between the elements. (Creates
consistency and completeness)
 Continuity: Treat different elements in the same manner. This
helps to relate different objects by creating an uninterrupted
connection or union.
 Alignment: Arranging shapes so that the line or edge of one shape
leads into another helps creates unity in your design. Try to imagine
placing objects on the imaginary axis of other objects.
 Proximity: Group related items together so that these related items
are seen as one cohesive group rather than a bunch of unrelated
elements. Elements that are positioned close to one another are
perceived as being related while elements that are farther apart are
considered less related.

4.  The image of these ducks
shows similarity because
the artist used SIMILAR
figures throughout the
design
 The artist also uses
SIMILAR colors to help
express similarity in the
design
 Red Sunset
 Brown Ducks

5.  In this painting you can
see a few examples of
continuity
 The circle of the tub is
continued up the
woman’s back
 The table is also
tangent to this circle
Edgar Degas. The Tub. 1886. Pastel,
60 x 82 cm. Louvre, Paris.

6. Proximity is a little more
complicated (and important so
I’m going to give two examples
to describe it)

7.  Online definition
 Proximity in design simply means that objects near each
other are seen as a unit.
 My definition
 How objects are grouped so that their organization
allows for a logical progression of ideas.
 Like ideas grouped with like ideas
 “Like grouped with like”

8.  Look at the next three slides and watch how the
information is organized differently so that it shows a
more logical progression of ideas

9.  The information in this
list is very disorganized
and hard to
understand and group
without aid

10.  This list shows more
organization because it
groups the ideas as a topic
with sub-topics beneath it

11.  This is the most organized
version of the data because it
changes font to indicate
different ideas (topics, sub-
topics, etc.)
 It also uses indents to help
separate ideas

13.  This poster is being used to
advertise a Ballet performance
 The information is grouped badly
 Lot of text with no logical order
 The clip art doesn’t add anything
 The diagonal information doesn’t
catch your eye
 To improve this design the
information needs to be organized
in logical groups
1. Name of event and artist
2. General info about the event
3. Where it’s on and how much?

14.  Ways to change the poster
 By changing some of the fonts
 Separating the information in a
logical order
 Adding a more intriguing picture (to
separate information and provide
interest)

16.  Farley, Jennifer. "Principles of Design: Proximity." Sitepoint.
Sitepoint, 26 Nov. 2009. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.
<www.sitepoint.com/principles-of-design-proximity/>.
 "Principles of Good Design: Unity, Art Lesson #9." Original
Oil Paintings by Artist Teresa Bernard. Sitepoint, 26 Nov.
2009. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-lessons-9.asp>.
 "Principles of Design: Unity." University of Saskatchewan.
N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theo
ry/cgdt/unity.htm>.