I wanted to start this blog off by writing some notes from classes I took during college. These notes may seem rather basic, but it's my philosophy that understanding the basics will lead to better understanding of more complex ideas. In this post, I'll be discussing 6 visual design principles that UX designers (and all persons who wish to communicate via visuals) should be aware of.
Hierarchy
This principle involves organizing elements on a page in a way that guides users' attention. Establishing a clear visual hierarchy helps users understand the relative importance of different elements, making it easier for them to navigate and interact with the interface.
Consistency
Consistency in design ensures that similar elements are presented in the same way throughout the interface. This includes consistent use of colors, typography, icons, and other visual elements. Consistency enhances usability by reducing cognitive load and helping users predict how the interface will behave.
Contrast
Contrast is used to make certain elements stand out from others, drawing users' attention to important information or interactive elements. By using contrast effectively, UX designers can create visual focal points and improve the readability and clarity of the interface.
Alignment
Alignment refers to the arrangement of elements along a common axis. Proper alignment creates a sense of order and cohesion, making the interface visually pleasing and easier to understand. Aligning elements also helps to create visual relationships between different parts of the interface.
Whitespace (or Negative Space)
Whitespace is the empty space between and around elements on a page. It's a powerful design element that can improve readability, highlight important content, and create a sense of balance and elegance in the interface. UX designers should leverage whitespace strategically to avoid clutter and allow content to breathe.
Simplicity
The principle of simplicity emphasizes the importance of keeping designs clean, intuitive, and easy to understand. By removing unnecessary elements and simplifying complex interfaces, UX designers can create a more enjoyable user experience. Simple designs are often more efficient, reduce cognitive load, and help users accomplish their tasks more quickly.
Take these 6 principles into account when designing and watch your designs flourish
Keeping these principles in the back of our minds while we design and implementing them thoughtfully, and intentionally, will help us with our process and results!
A checklist to improve your design process
Create a checklist of all the characteristics you wish for your design to have, and the feelings you wish to invoke. This has helped me in my process tremendously.