Basic UI Design Principles

These form the foundation of visual layout, used by every designer and frontend developer.


1. Visual Hierarchy

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Explanation:
Larger and bolder headings grab attention first. Supporting text is smaller and subdued, and the button stands out as a clear call-to-action.

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Explanation:
This hero layout uses scale and spacing to guide the user's eyes. The call-to-action buttons are prominent and styled for visibility.

2. Balance

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Balance

Even with different content types, the layout feels stable and visually pleasing.

Explanation:
The image and text are given equal space using a two-column layout, creating symmetrical visual balance across the screen.

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Explanation:
Visual balance is maintained by using matching icon styles, text alignment, and equal spacing between blocks.

3. Contrast

Explanation:
Strong background and text color contrast makes the button stand out and improves accessibility in both light and dark modes.

Bold Move

Using background contrast to separate cards from the page.

Explanation:
This card uses shadows and contrasting backgrounds to visually elevate and isolate it from the surrounding content. Combined with padding and shadow, it maintains clear visual separation.

4. Alignment

Explanation:
A left-aligned label placed directly above the input field provides a clear, natural reading path. This vertical alignment supports fast form scanning and consistency across inputs.

Explanation:
This form uses a 4-column grid to align labels and inputs horizontally. This alignment improves visual rhythm and ensures the input fields are consistently spaced, making the form easier to scan and complete.

5. Proximity

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Explanation:
Each input example groups related elements (label, field, helper/error text, button) closely together to form a clear visual and functional unit, reducing user effort and cognitive load.

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Explanation:
Input field and CTA button are grouped in one line to show their functional relationship.

6. Repetition / Consistency

Explanation:
Buttons use the same style and color theme, reinforcing familiarity and usability across the interface.

Explanation:
These repeated buttons follow the same shape, padding, and color scheme, reinforcing a consistent design language.

7. White Space

Minimalist Design

Less is more. Use space to guide focus and avoid clutter.

Explanation:
Padding and spacing around the elements help declutter the design and improve focus on content.

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Explanation:
Adequate space between text blocks makes this testimonial more readable and aesthetically pleasing.

8. Scale & Proportion

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Explanation:
Larger text size for the heading and smaller size for the body shows how scale directs user attention effectively.

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Scale helps users identify what's most important, while proportion ensures elements relate harmoniously in size.

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Explanation:
The "Pro" plan uses larger text, padding, and scaling to visually emphasize its importance. This demonstrates how adjusting scale and proportion can guide user attention and influence decision-making.

9. Typography Matters

Subheading

Clean typography improves readability and builds trust.

Explanation:
Different font weights and sizes define a clear visual hierarchy, making content easier to digest.

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Clear, Concise, and Structured

Every font size and weight carries visual meaning. It improves readability and user comprehension.

Explanation:
Typography creates structure in the content. Headings, subheadings, and body text all follow a consistent typographic scale.

10. Color Theory

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Explanation:
Each color communicates a message: green for success, red for error, and blue for primary actions. This leverages emotional color psychology.

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Explanation:
Semantic colors help users instantly recognize the intent of each message (warning, info, tips) using consistent palette and visual tone.