Which characteristic is NOT part of the design elements listed?

The characteristic that does not belong to the traditional design elements is balance. While balance is indeed a critical principle in design, it is not categorized as an elemental aspect such as texture, form, or tone. These three are tangible aspects that contribute to the overall aesthetic and composition of a design.

Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, which can be felt physically or observed visually. It plays a significant role in how design is experienced, making it an essential element. Form, on the other hand, pertains to the three-dimensional aspects of an object and includes its shape and structure. Tone involves the variation of light and dark, contributing to the depth and visual interest of a design.

Balance, however, is a principle that guides the arrangement of these elements within a design to ensure visual stability. It refers to how elements are distributed in a composition and is used to create harmony, tension, or dynamic movement without being a standalone element itself. Thus, while balance is crucial in design, it does not fit into the category of basic design elements like texture, form, and tone.