Golden Rules For a Clean UI Design

Clean UI design is all about simplicity, clarity, and usability. By following a few golden rules, you can create interfaces that feel modern, functional, and timeless. In this article, we’ll share six essential tips to help you achieve a clean UI design that stands out. Let’s get started!

The first rule we’re going to share to help you achieve a clean UI design is to use whitespace generously. Doubling your whitespace and padding can sometimes make some of the messiest designs pleasant and simple.

Using whitespace helps achieve a clean UI design look

Another golden rule is to limit your color choices. To do so, design in black and white first. You can craft an intentional layout and then highlight it with colors.

Example showing the difference when limiting color choices

The third rule is to use simple and legible type. Leave complicated and decorative type for big headlines. It’s much better to use simple type for paragraphs, labels, and everything else. It’s also vital that you use font styles, weights, and sizes with intent.

Using simple and legible type is a golden rule

Using grids for consistency is another vital rule. The grid can help you achieve a better layout and composition, which goes a long way when it comes to consistency and alignment in UI design.

Grids help with consistency in UI design

To achieve a clean UI design, you need to soften the shadows. Light comes from the sky (think top of the screen), so it’s best not to use default shadows. Default shadows can appear too sharp when, in reality, they should be natural and soft.

Example showing the difference when using soft shadows

This rule is a must-follow if you want to create a clean UI design. Trends add to timeliness in different ways, so they are often inherently less clean. Design doesn’t have to be completely devoid of personality—but more often than not—less is more.

Less is more in UI design

Achieving a clean UI design doesn’t have to be complicated. By using whitespace generously, limiting colors, and focusing on consistency and simplicity, you can create interfaces that are both elegant and effective. Start applying these golden rules today and elevate your designs to the next level!

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Happy designing! 🤗