Mastering Surface Elevation in UI Design
Mar 5, 2025
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2 min read
Surface elevation in UI design is the art of creating a visual hierarchy that gives the user interface a sense of dimension and structure. It involves layering elements to convey the illusion of proximity and importance.
By strategically using surface elevation, shadows, gradients, and spatial relationships, you can guide users’ attention and interactions, making the interface more intuitive and engaging.
What is surface elevation in UI design?
A user interface is a collection of surfaces, and elevating those surfaces helps communicate the activity and importance of elements. Surface elevation in UI design refers to the perceived distance between surfaces on the screen, enhancing the visual structure and user flow.
Why use elevation?
Without surface elevation, interactive elements blend into the background, leading to poor usability. Elevation helps distinguish elements and guide users’ attention.
Different types of elevation levels
Using varying shadow spreads gives a clear sense of depth and hierarchy.
Furthest from the screen surface: No shadow spread
Medium distance: Small shadow spread
Closest to the screen surface: Large shadow spread
How to communicate surface elevation?
Surface elevation is primarily communicated through shadows, but you can communicate depth and elevation with the following as well:
Color
Opacity
Blur
Overlap
Implement dynamic elevation
Surface elevation can change based on user interactions. Dynamic elevation makes the interface feel responsive and interactive.
Conclusion
Mastering surface elevation in UI design is essential for creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. By using shadows, color, opacity, and dynamic elevation, designers can build clear visual hierarchies that enhance user experience. Remember, effective depth guides users naturally, improving both aesthetics and usability.
What is surface elevation in UI design?
A user interface is a collection of surfaces, and elevating those surfaces helps communicate the activity and importance of elements. Surface elevation in UI design refers to the perceived distance between surfaces on the screen, enhancing the visual structure and user flow.
Why use elevation?
Without surface elevation, interactive elements blend into the background, leading to poor usability. Elevation helps distinguish elements and guide users’ attention.
Different types of elevation levels
Using varying shadow spreads gives a clear sense of depth and hierarchy.
Furthest from the screen surface: No shadow spread
Medium distance: Small shadow spread
Closest to the screen surface: Large shadow spread
How to communicate surface elevation?
Surface elevation is primarily communicated through shadows, but you can communicate depth and elevation with the following as well:
Color
Opacity
Blur
Overlap
Implement dynamic elevation
Surface elevation can change based on user interactions. Dynamic elevation makes the interface feel responsive and interactive.
Conclusion
Mastering surface elevation in UI design is essential for creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. By using shadows, color, opacity, and dynamic elevation, designers can build clear visual hierarchies that enhance user experience. Remember, effective depth guides users naturally, improving both aesthetics and usability.
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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
