Week 9: Minimalism/Flat Design

In this weeks blog we look on the topic of Flat Design

What is Flat Design?

Flat User Interface Design is a minimalist UI Design Genre, or design language, currently used in various graphical user interfaces such as Web sites or Web applications.

What is  its purpose?

Flat design refers to a style of interface design which removes any stylistic choices that give the illusion of three-dimensions such as drop shadows, gradients, or textures and is focused on a minimalist use of simple elements, typography and flat colors. Designers may prefer flat design because it allows interface designs to be more streamlined and efficient. It is easier to quickly convey information while still looking visually appealing and approachable.Additionally, it makes it easier to design an interface that is responsive to changes in browser size across different devices. With minimal design elements, websites are able to load faster and resize easily, and still look sharp on high-definition screens. As a design approach, it is often contrasted to skeuomorphism  and rich design.

Need assistance in making a Flat Design for your Website watch the video below

How and when should I use flat design?

Like most new trends you are probably asking why you should use flat design when it comes 

to your design projects  especially when more decorative, 3D elements have taken such a dominant role within technology.Well when you think of it like that, why wouldn’t you want to take a step in a different direction? Flat design is a refreshing direction for the design community whether you are for the trend or against it.

As you have probably noticed more and more designers are embracing the trend and implementing it in their personal portfolios, design agency websites, mobile navigation menus and in so many other areas to mostly positive reception.Flat design does have its problems and detractors. If all interface elements are truly flat, how do we identify what parts are interactive and what is decoration? Buttons and panels can look the same.

This by no means should be a deterrent  you can design around these potential limitations. The great thing about using flat elements is that it tends to give your final look a clean and minimalistic feel. Flat design look is also so simple that you are often able to combine various trends without your design appearing cluttered. It also generally cuts down on development time and makes for more readable, navigable content. The overall user experience is heightened with not only the ability to read the content but to also easily navigate from page to page and from content to content. So, now that you understand flat design, lets run through two short tutorials to get you creating your own flat elements.

An example of how a flat design layout looks

For a better view on how flat designs look click here