


Golden Rules For a Clean UI Design
Dec 16, 2024
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3 min read
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!
Use whitespace generously
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.

Limit your color choices
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.

Use simple and legible type
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.

Use grids for consistency
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.

Soften shadows
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.

Avoid trends
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.

Conclusion
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!
Use whitespace generously
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.

Limit your color choices
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.

Use simple and legible type
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.

Use grids for consistency
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.

Soften shadows
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.

Avoid trends
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.

Conclusion
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!
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team

If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
