UI design best practices checklist

Use when reviewing or refining layout, visual design, and UX before shipping UI.

Visual hierarchy

• Establish clear hierarchy with size, contrast, and spacing.
• Follow natural reading patterns (F-pattern or Z-pattern).
• Group related elements logically (Gestalt: proximity, similarity, continuity).

Simplicity and cognitive load

• Keep interfaces simple and uncluttered.
• Use whitespace intentionally to improve clarity.
• Limit choices where possible to reduce cognitive load (Hick’s Law).

Consistency