Which design principle is described as two elements within the composition being different?

• A. Contrast
• B. Emphasis
• C. Space
• D. Line

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is contrast: when two elements in a composition differ in some attribute—such as color, value, size, or shape—they create a visual distinction that helps separate them and grab attention. Describing two elements as being different directly points to contrast, since contrast is all about those differences that make elements stand out from one another.

This principle is what lets the viewer quickly read the relationships in a design and understand hierarchy. While emphasis, space, and line play important roles in composition, they refer to drawing focus to a specific element, shaping the surrounding area, or defining the path and edges, rather than simply describing the difference between two elements.