Elements of design should be placed along a common axis according to the alignment principle. There are two main kinds of alignment: edge (top/bottom or left/right) and center. Alignment creates a balanced, structured, professional-looking product design and minimizes visual chaos.

While strict alignment creates an ordered look, breaking free of alignment can be used to create a dynamic, organic, or purposefully-chaotic design. Just keep in mind that these effects can harm usability if not done carefully or without keeping users' interests in mind.