Designing beautiful and intuitive user interfaces is an art that requires mastery of many principles. On this page, Taras Bakusevych outlines 58 rules for UI design spread across 8 categories to create what he calls the “Elegance Formula.”
The rules emphasize starting with empathy for your users by understanding their cultural and demographic backgrounds. A well-planned layout that utilizes techniques like negative space, grid systems, and visual hierarchy is key to guiding users’ eyes. Simplicity should be the goal through thoughtful reduction of non-essential elements.
User guidance is also important, whether through onboarding, intuitive flows, or contextual tips. Typography, color, and visual content all play significant roles when applied strategically. Typography establishes hierarchy, while color communicates status and guides actions. High-quality images, illustrations, and videos enhance user engagement when prioritized over excessive styling.
Innovation is also discussed as a way to create memorable experiences and differentiate products. Animations, interactions, and leveraging the latest technologies can make interfaces feel novel while maintaining familiarity and consistency.
Overall, the rules provide a holistic framework for designing interfaces that are not just visually appealing but also support intuitive usability. Emphasizing empathy, simplicity, and guidance, following these principles can help create digital experiences users truly enjoy.
