Visual Principles
Contrast
Make important things look clearly different, in value, size, color or weight.
See it
Don't
- Light gray text on light gray background
- Nothing stands apart from anything else
Do
DESIGN
WEEK
WEEK
12 to 14 March · City Hall
Why it matters
Contrast in value, size and color is what makes a design readable and noticeable. If everything is similar, the eye has nowhere to land.
How to apply it
- Check your design in grayscale to test value contrast
- Pair big with small and heavy with light
- Keep text at readable contrast against its background
Common mistakes
- Light gray on light gray
- Everything at similar size and weight
Quick answers
What is Contrast?
Make important things look clearly different, in value, size, color or weight. Contrast in value, size and color is what makes a design readable and noticeable. If everything is similar, the eye has nowhere to land.
How do I apply Contrast in graphic design?
Check your design in grayscale to test value contrast. Pair big with small and heavy with light. Keep text at readable contrast against its background.
What are common mistakes with Contrast?
Light gray on light gray. Everything at similar size and weight.