UX Laws in Practice
Dec 18, 2024
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2 min read
Understanding UX laws is essential for creating designs that are intuitive and user-friendly. These principles are based on how users naturally perceive and interact with elements on a screen. In this article, we’ll explore four key UX laws and how to use them effectively in your designs. Let’s dive in!
Law of proximity
The first one on the list of UX laws is the law of proximity. Our minds perceive objects placed close to each other as a group. To signify the elements’ relation, you need to place them close to each other. The example below shows the elements related by genre.
Law of similarity
Visually similar elements will be perceived as related, even if separated. To apply this law, use color, shape, size, or orientation to emphasize the elements that share similar meanings or functionality. The example below shows how the same color means the same price.
Law of unified connectedness
Next on the list of UX laws is the law of unified connectedness. It states that elements connected visually are perceived as a group and are interpreted as being more related.
Law of common area
The law of common area states that elements in an enclosed visual shape are perceived as a group. Even something as simple as circling works! Visual cues you can use are adding a border, using a card, differently coloring a background, or adding a lot of whitespace.
Let’s recap
Four ways to reinforce groups in UX design are:
Place elements close to each other
Make elements look similar
Connect elements via lines, colors, frames, or other shapes
Place elements in an enclosed area
Conclusion
Mastering these four UX laws can significantly enhance your design’s usability and clarity. By grouping elements with proximity, similarity, connectedness, or common areas, you can create interfaces that are visually organized and easy to navigate. Start applying these principles to make your designs more intuitive and engaging!
Law of proximity
The first one on the list of UX laws is the law of proximity. Our minds perceive objects placed close to each other as a group. To signify the elements’ relation, you need to place them close to each other. The example below shows the elements related by genre.
Law of similarity
Visually similar elements will be perceived as related, even if separated. To apply this law, use color, shape, size, or orientation to emphasize the elements that share similar meanings or functionality. The example below shows how the same color means the same price.
Law of unified connectedness
Next on the list of UX laws is the law of unified connectedness. It states that elements connected visually are perceived as a group and are interpreted as being more related.
Law of common area
The law of common area states that elements in an enclosed visual shape are perceived as a group. Even something as simple as circling works! Visual cues you can use are adding a border, using a card, differently coloring a background, or adding a lot of whitespace.
Let’s recap
Four ways to reinforce groups in UX design are:
Place elements close to each other
Make elements look similar
Connect elements via lines, colors, frames, or other shapes
Place elements in an enclosed area
Conclusion
Mastering these four UX laws can significantly enhance your design’s usability and clarity. By grouping elements with proximity, similarity, connectedness, or common areas, you can create interfaces that are visually organized and easy to navigate. Start applying these principles to make your designs more intuitive and engaging!
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
