Visual design rules you can safely follow (anthonyhobday.com)

Article summary

The article presents a set of visual design rules that can be safely followed, including using near-black and near-white instead of pure black and white, saturating neutrals, and using high contrast for important elements. These rules aim to create a coherent and visually appealing design. The article also emphasizes the importance of being deliberate with every design element and using optical alignment instead of mathematical alignment. The rules are intended to be flexible and can be broken if there is a good reason to do so.

Main themes

• Visual design principles
• Color contrast and readability
• Design flexibility and adaptability
• User experience and screen settings
• Aesthetics and personal preference

What commenters say

• Using pure black and white can be beneficial for readability and does not require users to adjust their screen settings.
• Reducing contrast by using near-black and near-white can make text harder to read, especially for older users.
• Designers should prioritize maximum contrast for text, but also consider the overall aesthetic of the design.
• Some users adjust their screen brightness frequently, while others may not know how or have devices that do not allow for contrast adjustment.
• The use of pure black and white can be harsh, but it can also be beneficial for readability and battery efficiency on OLED screens.
• Designers should consider the potential for inconsistent screen settings and adjust their design accordingly.
• The article's design rules are not universally applicable and may need to be adapted for different devices and environments.