Design Principles

Proximity

Elements that are close together are perceived as more related than those farther apart, enhancing visual organization and user understanding.

The principle of proximity, part of Gestalt principles, states that elements close together are perceived as related, forming a single group. This grouping simplifies designs and highlights relationships, while distant elements are seen as separate. Effective layout design should position related items near each other, ensuring clarity and minimizing complexity.

Google Finance demonstrates the Proximity Principle by grouping related elements like stock indices and values for quick interpretation. Separate sections, spaced apart, ensure easy navigation and a user-friendly experience
Simulating the squint test shows how related elements are clearly grouped, reducing cognitive load. Adequate spacing makes sections visually distinct, ensuring smooth navigation and a user-friendly experience
Takeaways
  • Grouping Effect: Close elements are viewed as a single entity, enhancing perceived relatedness.
  • Clarity and Simplicity: Proximity reduces design complexity and reinforces relationships.
  • Strategic Layout: Position related items together and keep unrelated elements apart for better understanding.

Alignment

area alignment vs. center edge alignment

Similarity

Hierarchy & Highlighting​

Fitts’s Law

Abdellatif Bouhellal
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