Which of the following are essential elements of effective display design?

Clarity, consistency, and compatibility are indeed essential elements of effective display design. Clarity ensures that the information presented is easily understandable and discernible at a glance, which is vital for users to quickly grasp the data being communicated. Consistency helps in maintaining a uniform style and structure throughout the display, facilitating recognition and comprehension across different elements. Compatibility ensures that the display aligns with the users' expectations and familiar design patterns, making it intuitive for them to interact with the information presented.

In contrast, elements such as color, shape, and sound—while they can enhance a display—are not fundamental principles of effective display design. Similarly, speed, size, and distance might relate to user experience factors but do not capture the core aspects of display design itself. Complexity, originality, and novelty might contribute to creating visually interesting displays but can complicate the user’s ability to interpret the information effectively, which could defeat the primary purpose of a display.