The Four Elements of Good Design for Beginners
by Robin Williams and Scott Tollett
| Contrast | Repetition | Alignment | Proximity |
New designers tend to put text and graphics on the page wherever there happens to be space, often without regard to any other items on the page.
The principle of alignment states that nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page. The principle of alignment forces you to be conscious - no longer can you just throw things on the page wherever there happens to be room.
When items are aligned on the page, it creates a stronger cohesive unit. Even when aligned elements are physically separated from each other, there is an invisible line that connects them, both in your eye and in your mind.