Follow the basic rules of design for success from "summary" of The Non-designer's Design Book by Robin Williams
When it comes to design, simplicity is key. By keeping your designs simple, you can effectively communicate your message to your audience without overwhelming them with unnecessary elements. This means using a clean layout, minimal colors, and only including the most essential information. Clarity and coherence are also essential in design. Your design should be easy to understand at a glance, with a clear hierarchy of information that guides the viewer's eye through the design. This means using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up text and make it easier to read.
Logical sequencing is another important aspect of successful design. Your design should flow in a logical order, guiding the viewer from one piece of information to the next in a way that makes sense. This could mean arranging information chronologically, by importance, or by topic, depending on the context of your design.
Transition words and phrases can help to guide the viewer through your design and make the connections between different pieces of information more clear. By using words like "first," "next," "then," and "finally," you can help to create a smooth and cohesive reading experience for your audience.
Consistency in tone and style is also important in design. This means using the same fonts, colors, and design elements throughout your design to create a cohesive look and feel. This consistency helps to reinforce your brand identity and make your design more memorable to your audience.
Grammar and syntax are crucial in design as well. Proper grammar and punctuation help to make your message clear and easy to understand, while correct syntax ensures that your design flows smoothly and makes sense to the viewer.
Contextual understanding is key to creating successful designs. By considering the context in which your design will be viewed, whether it's a website, a poster, or a social media post, you can tailor your design to best suit the needs and expectations of your audience.
Finally, engaging your reader is essential for successful design. By creating designs that are visually appealing, easy to understand, and relevant to your audience, you can capture their attention and communicate your message effectively. By following these basic rules of design, you can set yourself up for success in creating designs that are both visually appealing and engaging to your audience.
