Here is a quick overview of what has been covered in this series. Today’s post will conclude the design series.

• The Design Process
• Unity in Design
• Emphasis and Focal Point in Design
• Scale and Proportion in Design
• Balance in Design
• Rhythm in Design (This Post)

Rhythm in design is best explained in one word – consistency. This is achieved by utilizing elements in a composition that are consistent, which creates a sense of rhythm that is understood by the viewer. Typically, rhythm is generally defined as a series of beats in music. Visually, rhythm is created through repetition, patterns, sequences, and textures.

Textures

Rhythm is created in this image by using texture. While the textures vary in size and shape it still identifies continuity as an example of visual rhythm. For example, the clouds are softly flowing in a horizontal form by contrasting value and color.

Shapes and Repetition

In this image, we can see that the shapes are repetitive which, create a juxtapose of repetition in colors and textures within the arrangement of its shapes. This rhythm is also known as Legato. Legato is defined as a connecting and slowing repetition through the use of shapes.

Patterns and Sequences

The repeating pattern of light columns against the darker negative spaces is clearly known as an alternating rhythm. Alternating rhythm is the use of consistent anticipated patterns. This expected quality of the pattern is not created on purpose, unless the repetition is fairly obvious. This aerial view of the city portrays a sequence of forms that not only, alternates in dark and light areas but also, regularly shifts back and forth as the figure and ground alternate for our attention.

There you have it - this concludes our series on ‘The Fundamentals of Design.’ We have covered everything from basic form and shape to techniques related to an emphasis in design. So take our series and show off your creative and intelligent solutions.