How to apply good visual design without being creative
Founders and creators don’t have to ignore design just because they see it as creative, or ‘not their thing’.
Contrary to this popular belief, design is not solely reliant on bursts of creativity — rather, it is underpinned by a set of rules that serve as a foundation for impactful and useful creations.
Good visual design is driven by rules, not creativity
Let’s explore a few ways applying basic design principles can help you achieve desired outcomes, without needing to be creative.
Use grids and alignment
When it comes to processing information, our brains have a knack for grasping things faster when there’s at least some sense of alignment.
It’s like navigating through a familiar landscape — when elements are arranged in a way that feels cohesive, our minds can quickly make sense of the layout.
Layouts need a visual hierarchy
How will users find what they’re looking for if everything has the same visual emphasis?
If everything is important, nothing is important.
Clear levels of visual importance will guide users to find or do things, without needing extra instruction.
Guide the user with consistency and pattern
If everything on a page is different and unique, users won’t know where to look for something.
How will users find what they’re looking for if there’s no pattern to the content?
When you have more consistency, it’s easier to spot something that’s inconsistent —something you want them to pay attention to.
Space and spacing are valuable
Empty space is a very powerful design tool. It’s not wasted space, it reduces visual clutter — which increases clarity and focus.
Our eyes need spaces in order to understand boundaries and separation, to navigate.
Important page elements will get noticed more if there’s space around them. Likewise, adding spacing around groups of elements makes it clear they’re related.
So while creativity undoubtedly fuels innovation in design, it’s the application of some rules and principles that ultimately drives its success.
Design principles can help you achieve desired outcomes, without needing to be creative.
The power of design lies not in novelty, but in the ability to effectively communicate messages, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression. That may be possible with novelty, but it’s far more easily achieved through underlying principles.
So, the next time you embark on a project, remember that creativity will flourish within the confines of well-established rules.
This article is part of my series on design basics for creators and founders.
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