California IDEX Practice Exam

A designer uses the principle of harmony in order to...

1. achieve contrast

2. create tension

3. establish an agreement of individual elements to each other and to the entire composition

4. counterbalance elements

The correct answer is: establish an agreement of individual elements to each other and to the entire composition

The concept of harmony in design revolves around creating a cohesive and unified appearance that allows various elements to work well together. When a designer uses harmony, they strive to establish an agreement among individual elements, ensuring they relate to each other and to the overall composition effectively. This principle emphasizes balance and consistent qualities among different components, which can include colors, shapes, textures, and patterns. By achieving harmony, a designer can guide the viewer's eye across the design in a pleasing manner, which enhances the overall aesthetic experience. The other options, while related to different design principles, do not accurately capture the essence of harmony. For instance, achieving contrast focuses more on differences between elements, creating distinct separation rather than unity. Similarly, creating tension often involves contrasting and competing elements that may not harmoniously coexist. Counterbalancing elements is more about weight distribution within the design rather than the coherence of the overall composition.