Consider this definition of symmetry from the Merriam Webster Collegiate dictionary:
sym·me·try
1 : balanced proportions; also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions
2 : the property of being symmetrical; especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis -- compare BILATERAL SYMMETRY, RADIAL SYMMETRY
3 : a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself
4 : the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow) -- used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them
The last definition is especially pertinent for us. Symmetry is the quality of a visual that makes it seem "invariant" in its orientation. In other words, symmetry tends to create a sense of great stability, motionlessness, perfection. It creates a sense of timeless perfection. Unfortunately, this stability and timelessness comes at the expense of dynamism and dynamic design is one of our main goals.
Is symmetry bad? No design principle is absolute. The application of the principle is relative to the goals or purpose of the design. It is either appropriate or inappropriate.
If your goal is solidity, perfection, timelessness, symmetry is a great tool. If your goal is motion, excitement, symmetry should be avoided.
This design illustrates lines of symmetry, sometimes called "axes" (plural for axis) of symmetry. In these designs, you can reflect or fold the design along one of these lines. Each side of the fold would have the same half design. In this design, there are litterally an infinite number of axes of symmetry. We say it has perfect symmetry.
Like the previous example, this cross or "plus sign" design, with or without the center, has perfect symmetry. The design tends to radiate outward like spokes from the center of a wheel. It has radial symmetry. Notice how your attention is always pulled back to the center of the wheel.
The center dot also has perfect radial symmetry.
So does the four corner design:
Some designs disguise their symmetry, but still have plenty of it. These designs have bilateral symmetry across those folds or axes.
This design is pretty deceptive. At first glance, it has a lot of tension, but, if you look across the diagonal axis shown, you can see the bilateral symmetry.
The designs we've seen here show a progressivity from lots to less symmetry. Can you see how the designs start to increase in tension, energy and dynamism? Is that good?
Why do we gravitate toward symmetry? Picture an animal or favorite flower. Imagine a snowflake. Nature strongly favors bilateral symmetry. Bilateral symmetry means that the object has the same components on each side. In the case of injury or accident, we have redundant parts. This kind of redundancy is a great protection for us and enhances our survivability. Since we are creatures of nature, we find the natural world beautiful. Perfect creations of nature are the most beautiful. In short, we love symmetry. It is a sign of health, strength, and perfection.
It is also relatively easy to achieve and as easy to forget. How many digs have you seen in your life? Now, remember the three-legged dogs you've seen. Which image is more memorable? Of course, the image is more memorable because it is tragic and unusual. But, this kid of asymmetry is unusual and memorable.
As we strive for dynamic designs, we will try very diligently to avoid symmetry. After all, we can easily achieve the familiar.
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