2 Perceptual Organization
This chapter covers
- Common digital content reading patterns
- Gestalt principles for digital designers in action
- Introduction to the dark design patterns
- Colors and cultural aspects of visual design
We're into the first level of emotional digital design: the Visceral level (Figure 2.1). Let me remind you that this is about people's first impression of your product. And, of course, the design, aesthetics, and cleanliness will play a crucial role in those 50 milliseconds when the user has to decide whether the product is worthy of their further and deeper exploration. So the visceral level is about the interface and the basic laws that will help you create a product that works and can win the battle for attention in that tiny amount of time.
Figure 2.1 The Visceral Level Highlighted
Ever stared at a design and wondered, “How the heck did they make it look so good?” Whether you're a design newbie hearing critiques like "This area feels empty" or "This is too cluttered," or a seasoned pro, we’ve all been there. You might even find yourself making design choices on autopilot, guided by your ‘gut feeling.’ Well, guess what? It’s time to back that intuition with some solid theory.
Here’s the deal: the hidden gear that drives a design from “meh” to “wow” isn’t some mystical art form. It’s a clever blend of space, typography, visual elements, and colors. And you can totally master this. Here's my perspective: with practice, you can really nail creating a slick UI.