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A design principle is a guideline that is adopted by an organization, project or designer that acts as a rule to simplify design decisions. They are intended to reflect the goals of a design and get designers moving in the same direction to create consistent work products. The following are common examples of design principles.
Be useful to the maximum number of people as opposed to the mythical average person.Be predictable. This makes things easier to use.BalanceDesigns look as it they are equally weighted on both sides.
ProportionConsider the relative size of elements in a design to make them look natural. Things are designed to human scale.RepetitionRepeat elements to give designs structure and a feeling of harmony.RhythmRepeat design elements in a pattern.Don't go so far with repetition and rhythm that the design is boring. A little variety is interesting.
ContrastUse contrast to communicate visual cues and emphasis. Avoid contrast for decoration.MovementUse movement to communicate visual cues and emphasis. Avoid movement for decoration.Stability Provide a stable environment where elements aren't moving or changing in a way that is inconvenient, counterintuitive or distracting.UnityView the balance, harmony and variety of design as a whole. In other words, take a step back and look at the entire design when applying principles.
Designs are suited to their purpose. Think about the goals and constraints of users in real world contexts and how a design helps.Stay Out of the WayDon't create unnecessary rules, roadblocks, steps and procedures. Let people do things the way they do things.First ImpressionsDesigns are engaging from the start. For example, don't hide something fun, friendly and engaging behind a terrible registration screen.
Flat StructuresGive things structure but not to too many levels.Provide descriptive titles, keywords and visual cues that allow users to smell information.Provide ContextCommunicate the big picture to the user. For example, if you're describing a hotel don't forget to mention its basic location information such as country and city.
Provide FeedbackLet the user know what is going on. If they click something that could be slow, tell they you're working on it.Least EffortMake things easy for users.Keep things as minimal as possible.Make designs decorative, interesting and information packed.Design can't be attractive to all people. Trying to please everyone is a mistake.|
| Type | | | Definition | A guideline that is adopted by an organization, project or designer that acts as a rule to simplify design decisions. | | Notes | It should be noted that some of rules above contradict each other. Design principles come down to the goals, constraints and style of the organization or designer. There are no universal rules of design. | | Related Concepts | |
First Principles
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