What aspect of design does 'contrast' particularly address?

Contrast in design specifically addresses the differences between elements. This principle is essential because it helps to create visual interest, highlight important features, and guide the viewer's attention within a composition. By using contrast, designers can emphasize variations in color, shape, size, texture, and value, making certain elements stand out against others. This differentiation is critical for effective communication in visual arts, allowing the audience to easily discern distinct features and messages within the artwork.

Unity among elements, repetition of patterns, and flow within a composition are all important aspects of design, but they focus on different principles. Unity emphasizes the cohesiveness of various components, repetition reinforces consistency in the design, and flow pertains to the movement or direction within a composition. While these elements interact with contrast, they do not specifically address the concept of differences, which is the core of what contrast signifies. Understanding how to effectively apply contrast can greatly enhance the overall effectiveness of a design.