Question: Is it possible to completely write off symmetry in all aspects of design?

 

In the article A Fine Balance, the writer Erik Spiekermann seems to have a oppositional view towards the idea of symmetry in design, instead favoring asymmetry. His reasoning for this is that symmetry is too easy and boring. He claims that asymmetry is more accessible and dynamic. He states that within the setup of a page, having elements find their natural position makes it more approachable and easy to read. I agree–partially.

I think that when Spiekermann talks about symmetry, he’s talking about the very generic idea, where two sides of something look exactly the same. However, I think that symmetry is necessary and always somewhat evident in a work, maybe not in a completely obvious and unnaturally even sense, but in other ways. Even if two parts of something don’t look  exactly the same, there still needs to be an aspect of balance, so that the viewer does not becomes overwhelmed. In my opinion, asymmetry is not possible without a level of symmetry involved.