From 0 to 100: Key principles to master UI design

Great UI design doesn’t require mystical skills; it’s about applying core principles that enhance any project. This guide is especially for those just starting, including anyone who feels a bit uncertain about diving into UI design. Let’s focus on practical fundamentals you can use right away in Figma to build polished, professional-looking interfaces.

Alignment – Building Structure and Clarity

Alignment ensures that elements feel organized and intentional. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Consistent Edges: Align elements to uniform horizontal and vertical lines.

2. Centering: Center elements within containers for a balanced look.

3. Baseline Alignment for Text: Align text to a consistent baseline for visual order.

4. Equal Margins: Set margins (e.g., 16px) for a cohesive, balanced appearance.

Quick Tip: Align text fields or icons by type, and for circular elements, slightly increase size to balance visually.

Spacing – Leveraging White Space

White space improves readability and separates content effectively. Use these guidelines:

1. Separate Without Clutter: Opt for white space over lines or dividers.

2. Highlight with Space: Surround key elements with extra space to subtly emphasize them.

3. Prioritize Outer Spacing: Use more space around grouped items to show relationships.

4. Double Space as Needed: Add more space than feels necessary to achieve a polished look.

Quick Tip: Replace lines with spacing to reduce clutter, especially on data-heavy screens.

Consistency – Creating Cohesion

Consistency makes a design feel unified. Here’s how to apply it practically:

1. Duplicate for Uniformity: Reuse elements, like duplicating a styled text box for dropdowns.

2. Purposeful Inconsistencies: Maked deviations intentional, like highlighting key actions.

Quick Tip: Try the “squint test”—squint at your design to ensure visual hierarchy is still clear.

Wrapping Up

Mastering these fundamentals will help you create UIs that are clear, cohesive, and user-friendly. Keep the principles of alignment, spacing, and consistency in mind, and always strive for simplicity.

Remember, starting small and making incremental improvements is key. These techniques will build your confidence, and with each design, you’ll gain more intuition for what works. Happy designing! 🤩