Can Good Design Be Asymmetrical?
It seems as though in today’s world, symmetry is out and asymmetry is in. I mean take a look at modern art! If you take a trip to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, I guarantee you will be able to find dozens of asymmetrical pieces of art.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, asymmetrical is defined as the following:
a·sym·met·ri·cal
adjective
- having two sides or halves that are not the same: not symmetrical //asymmetrical design //asymmetrical shapes
Why Asymmetry?
Symmetry does not mean balance and although asymmetry can be seen as being “off-balance” or “uneven”, it is all about layout and use of white space. In fact, the proper use and balance of white space can communicate different ideas to the viewer. For instance, a pleasant balance of design can create a sense of serenity and elegance for the view because there is a sense of peace and beauty. Another example can be motion, the use of asymmetry can create a movement of the eyes that allows the viewer to follow the design in a particular manner.
Asymmetrical balance brings a much more interesting dynamic to the eye of the users. It invites energy to the design that is quite modern and new, a composition that is familiar with the modernism of society. I guess you could say that symmetry is a much more “formal balance” and in a traditional sense is balanced, but the balanced arrangement of designs negative and positive space regardless of symmetry creates a beautiful composition to the eye. It also allows the viewer into a much more natural space where asymmetry is recognized, just as its seen in everyday places and things.
Conclusion
I will admit, asymmetry is a difficult idea to achieve in web and app design. The easiest solution is to create a simplistic, minimalist symmetrical design that is appealing to the eye and creates visual balance. It may be tough, but asymmetry can be used to create a balanced website or application, it just takes planning and trial and error. There will be times when it absolutely will not work and times when it will work beautifully.
“This article was written in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Fall 2020 section of DMD 3035 — Interaction Design at the University of Connecticut, Digital Media & Design Department.”
