

Simplicity: symbolic icons, abstract forms, no textures, and no gradients.įlat design allows UI designers to think of their designs more as a functional tool rather than aesthetic.Grid-based layouts: usually flat design is symmetrical and uses a grid for the layout and hierarchy.White space: negative space helps designers indicate which part of the page they want users to focus on and makes the website more readable.It loads fast, it fits with minimalist style, and it’s easy to read. Simple typography: typically sans-serif fonts are the choice of flat design.2D styling: simple shapes and no realistic images.Contrasting colors: often bright colors, flat design relies on distinct contrast to send visual cues to users.Here are six signs that what you’re looking at is flat design. Six characteristics of flat designįlat design is a modern design style that consistently maintains minimalist, 2D features. With a focus on cleanliness and hierarchy, flat design creates functional websites that deliver information in a fast and straightforward way.

It was made popular by the release of Windows 8 (2012) and Apple’s iOS 7 (2013). It involves not shading, no added glare, and no highlights that are often used in other design styles to make images look three dimensional. Inspired by Swiss style, it features contrasting color palettes, minimalist typography, white space, crisp edges, and grid-based layouts.įlat design is a streamlined and modern way to deliver information fast. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about flat design:įlat design is a minimalist design style that is two dimensional. Over ten years later, we still use flat design in websites, UIs, graphic design, and apps. In 2012 with the release of Windows 8, flat design took off. Skeuomorphism often used textures, complex graphics, and overstyled typography.įlat design removed those clunky design choices, making websites faster, easier to read, and more compelling for users. Safari’s old compass logo or the original Instagram logo, for example. Skeuomorphism is when designs use realistic representations of physical objects. It was bold and exciting.īefore flat design, skeuomorphism was the popular style. In the early 2010s a new user interface (UI) design trend came on the scene: flat design.
