Our Guide to Understanding Symmetry & Asymmetry in Website Design

Designers aspire for visual balance when creating their message. However, gone are the days when the balance is synonymous with symmetry or the need to have corresponding elements on both sides of the design.

Although the principles of symmetrical and asymmetrical design can be applied to both print and digital work, they are particularly crucial to websites. A website is the digital storefront of a business. If the design fails to captivate a visitor, they will simply leave, never to return. A website design that is visually pleasing and well-balanced, on the other hand, will serve as a fantastic first impression and encourage visitors to stay and browse a little longer.

The first thing to note about design balance is that it can be subject to interpretation. After all, balance also depends on the distribution of elements around the canvas. If each component has weight, the more significant parts of the design look more substantial than the smaller ones. Therefore, achieving balance is possible through symmetrical and asymmetrical means.

Defining symmetry

This design approach pertains to recurring parts that provide unity across an axis or within the center of the display area. The mirrored elements on both sides deliver balance, and the best example of this is the butterfly. The shape that you have on the left must be reflected on the right, and that mentality creates visual harmony within the design.

Bilateral symmetry is the most popular approach, and it involves a vertical or horizontal axis that maintains the balance of each element. Think of it as a snowflake the remains symmetrical regardless of the changes in the axis. The lack of variations on both sides of the central axis leads designers to call it pure symmetry, which is evident in several websites.

Learn more about asymmetry

Seemingly chaotic design patterns fall under asymmetrical balance. While the elements look disorganized, unlike symmetrical designs, the intentional chaos provides a sense of balance throughout the overall design and delivers messages with a more significant impact. This level of communication is something that a passive symmetrical balance cannot convey.

You can achieve asymmetrical designs by placing the heavy elements on one side of the canvas and the lighter objects on the opposite side. Darker and larger objects convey a more profound message than brighter objects. There is more dynamism in these designs, and they catch more attention because of the symbolism of each element. The rendering of the components is sufficient to fix their eyes on these stories.

How to achieve asymmetrical design

Playing with the shape of each element to provide value is a common approach in portraying asymmetrical designs. By placing smaller and lighter elements on one end while having a massive object elsewhere, you deliver a significant contrast that provokes deep thoughts. Adding intricate details on the empty areas of the design is an excellent touch, as well.

Meanwhile, storytelling is the backbone of the asymmetrical design, and that’s why it lingers on customer’s minds longer. You can portray this dynamism by allowing the viewers to move their eyes through the layout.

That movement, which induces people to receive the message actively, is why sports brands impart asymmetrical elements onto their logos and promotional materials. Finally, asymmetrical designs draw the viewer to the critical aspects of the design. From this focal point, you can adjust certain items to direct the viewer’s attention in different areas.

Though both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs have their implications and advantages, they have their set of limitations as well. Therefore, it’s best to employ the organization of the symmetrical design and the variety of the asymmetrical design to deliver stunning layouts.

A website that converts must be balanced and visually pleasing. This is why brands that are serious about building an online presence bring web design professionals on board. Website design is not a task that should be left to amateurs. After all, how much do you really understand about visual balance?

Fortunately, website designers have been trained to create high-quality, visually-pleasing sites that are sure to impress.

If you’re looking for web designers in Bangkok to help you strike the balance between these two types of designs, get in touch with us to see how we can help!