The “Six Techniques” of a Designer

Every designer’s success is a long journey, marked by trials, learning, and mastering a unique set of skills. To become an excellent designer, one must pass through many challenges, gain experience, and develop their own “Six Techniques” of design. Below is a summary of an outstanding designer’s key techniques:

1. Whitespace is an Art
   Think of the discomfort of commuting on a crowded bus, with dozens of people packed together. The same happens in design—when creating a layout or UI, avoid cramming too many elements into a single space. Even adding one extra element can disrupt the visual harmony. Leave enough whitespace to give the design room to breathe and ensure that it doesn’t look overcrowded.
2. Align Elements on a Straight Line
   This is one of the most fundamental rules in graphic design. Unless you’re trying to create a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa, align all your design elements on a straight line. Our brains naturally prefer this alignment. This design method, known as the grid system, helps arrange more elements in a visually pleasing and organized manner.
3. Maintain Design Consistency
   Limit yourself to using no more than two fonts and three colors in your design. Consistency is key to maintaining a cohesive design. When adding a new element, stop for a moment to think about how it fits with the overall design. Also, never stretch logos or images. Imagine someone stretching your face horizontally by 5%—it wouldn’t look good, right?
4. Constantly Visually Test Your Design
   Just like tasting food while cooking to check if the seasoning is right, designers should constantly test their designs. Look at your design screen frequently—what catches your eye first? What do you notice second? How about from a distance of ten steps? This helps you avoid adding unnecessary details or buttons and ensures that the design is clear and effective.
5. Set Priorities
   It’s essential to distinguish between what’s important and what’s not. This not only saves energy but also ensures you focus on what truly matters. Prioritization applies to more than just design—it’s a crucial habit in all aspects of life for achieving better results efficiently.
6. Test the User-Friendliness of the UI
   A UI’s success often lies in its ability to provide a comfortable, intuitive experience for users upon first glance. Before starting a design, ask yourself: what human-centered features does each element of your UI have? If redesigned, how will it affect the user’s experience?

While these techniques aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, learning and applying them can significantly enhance a designer’s skills. As a designer, the ability to learn and adapt is a valuable asset.