Which of the following is NOT a principle of design?

• A. Balance
• B. Rhythm
• C. Contrast
• D. Color

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is the difference between design principles and design elements. Principles describe how to organize visual components to create a coherent, effective composition. Balance means the visual weight is distributed so the design feels stable. Rhythm comes from repeating or progressing elements to guide the eye and create a sense of movement. Contrast uses differences in elements like value, size, or shape to create emphasis and improve readability.

Color, on the other hand, is a design element—a visual property you apply within a composition. It influences mood and hierarchy, but it doesn’t by itself prescribe how the composition should be arranged. A piece can be balanced, rhythmic, and have strong contrast with any color palette, including monochrome. So color is not a design principle.