User interface (UI) design is an ever-evolving field, with trends and best practices continuously shifting. Designers are constantly challenged to strike the right balance between visual appeal and functionality. When creating a UI component, a key skill lies in managing visual complexity—ensuring that the interface isn’t cluttered or overwhelming—without sacrificing the clarity or purpose of the component itself. Mastering this balance takes time, experience, and a keen design sense, but there are several effective techniques designers can use to achieve a polished, modern look without oversimplifying their work.
One useful strategy to make a design look cleaner and more current is reducing the use of borders. While borders can help distinguish between different elements in a layout, they can also contribute to a cluttered appearance if overused. Excessive borders can make an interface feel busy and dense, detracting from the user’s experience by overwhelming the eye and complicating navigation. Reducing or eliminating borders helps streamline the visual hierarchy, allowing the user to focus more on content and functionality without unnecessary distractions.
Instead of relying heavily on borders, designers can use alternative visual cues to separate elements and guide users’ attention. For example, box shadows can create depth and subtly differentiate components without adding harsh lines. Shadows add dimension to a flat design, offering a more refined way of dividing sections or buttons. Similarly, varying background colors can break up sections or define areas of a UI in a more fluid and visually appealing way than borders would. By using a palette of complementary colors or soft contrasts, designers can maintain clarity while keeping the interface visually cohesive.
Another essential technique for reducing clutter is improving element spacing. Adequate spacing between components can give the design room to breathe, making the interface feel more open and accessible. Spacing ensures that elements don’t feel crammed together, which can overwhelm users and make navigation more difficult. Thoughtful padding and margin use allow for better flow and rhythm in the layout, improving readability and user engagement without the need for unnecessary dividers.
These subtle adjustments—minimizing borders, incorporating shadows, and refining spacing—are quick and effective ways to “cheat” at design and instantly elevate the look of a UI. They’re not only easy to implement but can dramatically enhance the overall user experience by creating a more modern, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing interface. As UI design continues to evolve, these tricks can help maintain a fresh, clean appearance while still ensuring functionality and clarity remain at the forefront.
