Which are the four design principles?

• A. Repetition, Alternation, Progression, Contrast
• B. Repetition, Balance, Proportion, Contrast
• C. Rhythm, Contrast, Emphasis, Harmony
• D. Texture, Color, Form, Line

Answer: (A)

The four design principles being tested are repetition, alternation, progression, and contrast. Repetition ties the composition together by repeating visual elements like shapes, colors, or textures, creating a sense of unity. Alternation introduces variation within a predictable pattern, keeping the design interesting without losing structure. Progression guides the viewer’s eye through the piece by gradually changing an attribute such as size, value, or spacing, which helps establish a clear reading order or hierarchy. Contrast highlights differences between elements to make them stand out, improving emphasis and readability.

Together, these principles describe how to build rhythm, variation, and emphasis within a cohesive design. The other options mix in design elements (like texture, color, form, line) or substitute other principles that aren’t part of this specific four-principle framework, so they don’t fit as neatly with the intended set.