The Law of Symmetry: Designing for Balance
Symmetry: The Unsung Hero of User Experience or Chaos Turned Harmony?
Introduction
Consider this scenario: You’re navigating a new mobile app, the clean and balanced design readily catching your eye. Each element, from buttons to text, seems intentionally placed, creating a sense of harmony. This balance, driven by a design principle known as the Law of Symmetry, is a cornerstone of both digital interface design and broader artistic realms. Derived from Gestalt psychology, this law suggests that humans naturally perceive symmetrical elements as a unified whole. A symmetrically arranged navigation bar on a website, for example, promotes intuitive navigation, significantly enhancing the overall user experience.
We are looking at Day 9 of the, “30 days of UX laws and principles” . Read Day 8 article before we dive into today’s session.
In this article, we will explore :
- Breaking Down the Law of Symmetry
- The Law of Symmetry and UX design
- Real life brand examples
- Difficulties and Limitations
Breaking Down the Law of Symmetry
The concept of symmetry has its roots in ancient cultures and civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, who associated symmetry with beauty and perfection. In the world of design, the Law of Symmetry is based on Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes that humans naturally perceive things as whole and balanced. In the 1920s, Gestalt psychologists proposed several laws of perceptual organization to explain how humans naturally group different elements together to make sense of the world around them. One of these principles is the Law of Symmetry.
The Law of Symmetry asserts that the human eye tends to perceive symmetrical elements as belonging together regardless of their distance. Symmetrical figures are seen as a whole more readily than asymmetrical ones. Consider a pair of parenthesis, “(“ and “)”. Despite the space between them, we understand them as a pair, encasing whatever content lies within. This symmetry is not limited to identical mirroring. It can also involve balance in terms of weight, orientation, or value, creating a pleasing harmony that resonates with viewers.
The Law of Symmetry and UX Design
The Law of Symmetry is more than just an aesthetic guide; it plays a significant role in shaping a user’s digital experience, making it a central pillar of User Experience (UX) design.
To explore this further, imagine the homepage of a music streaming app. This page is your gateway to a vast world of songs, artists, albums, playlists, and genres. Such a wealth of choices and options has the potential to overwhelm the user if not organized logically and symmetrically.
If the elements are strewn about randomly on the page, the user might feel lost, unable to find what they are looking for, leading to frustration and potentially causing them to abandon the app. Here is where the Law of Symmetry steps in to rescue the user experience.
A designer can apply this law to organize these numerous options into a balanced layout, bringing order to potential chaos. They can group related elements together and place them symmetrically to create a sense of unity and balance. For instance, options like ‘Playlists’ and ‘Artists’ can be positioned as paired elements on opposite sides of the screen. Similarly, other elements like ‘Genres’, ‘New Releases’ or ‘Search Bar’ can be organized in a balanced manner on the interface.
The result of such symmetrical placement isn’t just a pleasing aesthetic; it also creates an intuitive navigational flow. The user can easily anticipate where to find the information, making the interface more user-friendly and enjoyable to navigate.
Furthermore, the Law of Symmetry also aids in guiding the user’s attention. By positioning important elements — such as ‘Play Now’ buttons or promotional banners — symmetrically, designers can create a visual path that guides the user’s gaze across the screen in a predictable and comfortable pattern. This strategic use of symmetry can enhance usability and efficiency, ensuring users can find what they need quickly and effortlessly.
Therefore, the Law of Symmetry is not merely about making an interface look good. It’s about establishing balance, crafting visual unity, and facilitating ease of use. It’s an invaluable tool in the UX designer’s toolkit, enabling them to create digital experiences that resonate with users, promote intuitive interaction, and ultimately, enhance overall user satisfaction.
Real-life Brand Examples
Take Google’s search engine homepage as an example. It showcases the Law of Symmetry beautifully. The design is simple: the Google logo centered at the top, a search bar beneath it, and two symmetrically placed buttons — “Google Search” and “I’m Feeling Lucky” — right below. Despite the page’s simplicity, or perhaps because of it, the symmetrical design creates a sense of balance and harmony, making it visually appealing and easy to use.
Moving away from the digital world, consider Starbucks, a brand that applies the Law of Symmetry in its logo design. The Starbucks logo has mirror symmetry, with the iconic siren figure identically reflected on both sides. This symmetric design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also instantly recognizable, contributing significantly to the brand’s global identity.
Another example is the Swedish furniture giant IKEA. Their catalogue designs often show symmetrical room settings, with furniture and decorative elements balanced on either side. This symmetry makes the designs aesthetically pleasing and easier for customers to visualize in their own homes.
Difficulties and Limitations
While the Law of Symmetry can significantly enhance design, it also has its limitations:
- Overuse of symmetry can lead to designs that feel rigid or lack visual interest. Some designs may benefit from a touch of asymmetry to introduce dynamism and keep the audience engaged.
- Designers must consider cultural perceptions of symmetry. While it is universally recognized, cultural nuances can influence how symmetry is perceived and appreciated.
- Symmetry must be thoughtfully integrated with other design principles, such as hierarchy, contrast, and alignment, to create a cohesive design.
Conclusion
The Law of Symmetry is an essential principle in the world of design. It governs how we perceive and interact with various elements, whether in an art gallery or on a mobile app. By understanding and leveraging this law, designers can create more engaging, intuitive, and visually pleasing designs. Remember, balance in design doesn’t mean boring. It’s about creating harmony, rhythm, and a sense of unity that elevates the user experience. So, the next time you’re designing, consider how the Law of Symmetry can help make your design not just beautiful, but also balanced and engaging. After all, good design is all about balance.
Check out “30 days of UX laws and principles”
Check out Day 8 : The Law of Prägnanz
Check out Day 10 : The Law of Figure-ground
ANNOUNCEMENT 🔥
We’re working on our very own AI tool that lets you create fully editable screens just from text prompts!
Check it out here and don’t forget to join the wait-list!
