Design Principles & Elements Flashcards

Which design principle refers to the visual weight distribution that makes a composition feel stable and harmonious?

Answer: Balance

Balance distributes visual weight so a design feels stable, either symmetrically or asymmetrically.

In property claims, a custom architectural feature like a coffered ceiling is best categorized under which design element?

Answer: Form

Form refers to three-dimensional shapes and structural features, including architectural elements like coffered ceilings.

When assessing damage to a mosaic tile floor, an adjuster considers the tile's visual surface quality. Which design element is most relevant?

Answer: Texture

Texture describes the surface quality of a material, whether tactile or visual, such as the pattern of mosaic tiles.

Which principle of design creates a sense of movement and pattern through repeated elements?

Answer: Rhythm

Rhythm is achieved through repetition of design elements like shapes, colors, or lines to create visual movement.

A damaged room features a focal point created by a custom fireplace surround. Which design principle does this represent?

Answer: Emphasis

Emphasis creates a focal point or center of interest that draws the viewer's attention, such as a prominent fireplace surround.

Which design element describes the relationship between the size of different parts of a design relative to each other?

Answer: Scale

Scale refers to the relative size of design elements in comparison to each other or to a reference standard.

An adjuster documents that water damage has disrupted the visual flow from room to room in an open-plan home. Which design principle is most affected?

Answer: Unity

Unity refers to the sense of cohesion and wholeness across a design, including consistent visual flow between spaces.