The 3 Laws of Locality – Learn UI Design

3 Laws of Locality is a must-read for any designer looking to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Erik D. Kennedy lays out essential principles that should be the foundation of any digital design project.

The author’s wealth of real-world examples, drawing primarily from the Gmail interface, makes this article so valuable. By walking through how these principles are applied (and sometimes violated) in a familiar app, the reader gains a deep, practical understanding of locality laws. The author even dives into some nuanced exceptions, showing that these guidelines are flexible tools, not rigid rules.

The key takeaway is that good design is about meeting user expectations, not reinventing the wheel. By aligning their interfaces with established mental models, designers can create intuitive and delightful experiences. This article is essential for any creative professional looking to level up their UI/UX skills.