The relational elements of the design are: direction, position, space and gravity. These elements are used to define the interactions between the different forms that make up a design.
The design relationship allows evaluating the location of all the objects that make up the image, their interrelation with each other and the visual impact they induce on the person who appreciates the design.
In addition, these types of spatial relationships exemplify the correspondence that exists between the drawing plane and all the shapes that make up the image.
The elements of relation make possible the interpretation of the meaning of each design, according to the individual appreciations of the observers.
The 4 main relational elements of design
The relationship in the design is given by four fundamental elements: two elements perceived by the viewer (direction and position), and two elements that cause sensations (space and gravity).
1- Address
The direction establishes the relationship of an object with respect to the observer, the frame of the design and the rest of the forms that make up the image.
In any composition, it is possible to distinguish three basic directions: horizontal direction, vertical direction and oblique direction.
The latter can have several variants, depending on the degree of inclination of the line and the side towards which it is tilted (left or right).
By playing with these three directions it is possible to give structure and symmetry between the elements that make up the image. That is the importance of the direction of the forms from the point of view of design.
2- Position
The position of each object or shape within a composition is determined by its location with respect to the frame that delimits the image. The center of the plane can also be taken as a reference.
This factor involves the interaction of forms with respect to the structure of the design. That is why it is understood as an element of relationship.
The position plays a fundamental role in the visual relationship of the composition. In turn, this aspect will depend on the rest of the elements and the general structure of the design.
3- Space
This element is associated with the space occupied by each shape that constitutes a design. The above goes hand in hand with the good use of perspective.
Thanks to perspective it is possible to generate optical illusions in the image. Some spatial practices are overlapping objects, altering the contrast, and changing the size of certain parts of the design.
In short, space is related to the feeling of fullness or emptiness of a specific area. The effects of depth, distance and image interleaving are examples of this.
4- Gravity
It is a psychological perception, which has to do with the appreciation of subjective attributes such as instability or stability, heaviness or lightness.
This element can be interpreted individually or collectively, grouping shapes and generating interaction between them.
References
- Barberá, J. (nd). Elements of relationship and practical elements of design. Recovered from: diseñoowebmurcia1.es
- Visual and relationship elements (nd). Recovered from: diseniobasicounoudl.blogspot.com
- Design elements (nd). Recovered from: artdesignina.wordpress.com
- Importance of relationship elements in design (2013). Recovered from:.paredro.com
- León, R. (nd). Introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design. Recovered from: mimoilus.com