The Visual Principle of Contrast in UI Design

Summary: When visual design elements appear clearly different (for example, have contrasting colors) users easily deduce that the contrasting item is different or special in some way. So if it actually is different, this enhances usability.

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The principles of scale, visual hierarchy, balance, contrast, and Gestalt increase usability when applied correctly.

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Kelley Gordon is a former NN/G employee who published widely-used guidance on visual design, design specs and the designer-developer relationship, and the fundamentals of UI components including buttons, icons, and grids.

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