Which of the following is one of the seven elements of design?

• A. Texture
• B. Rhythm
• C. Harmony
• D. Balance

Answer: (A)

Texture is one of the seven elements of design. It describes the surface quality of a material—the way a surface feels to the touch and how it reads visually. It can be actual texture you can feel, like a rough brick or a soft wool, or visual texture created by pattern and shading that mimics that feel. Texture adds depth, contrast, and interest, and it interacts with light to create subtle shadows and highlights. Using a mix of textures helps establish mood, warmth, and tactility in a space, and it can unify different materials or define areas without relying on color alone.

Rhythm, harmony, and balance are design principles, not elements. They describe how the design is organized and how the eye moves through a space (rhythm), how similar or related parts feel together (harmony), and how visual weight is distributed (balance). Texture, as an element, provides the surface quality that these principles can work with or emphasize.