A flat design is a style within UI UX design that uses 2D elements and bright colors. It was originally developed to support responsive designs where the content and design elements can be scaled easily.
The flat design style focuses on color schemes and typography to create a modern aesthetic. However, without any 3D elements, some people find it uninspiring. That’s why this design sometimes uses 3D elements and is then known as “Flat Design 2.0” and “Almost Flat Design.”
Not to be confused with
Material Design
It adds dynamic elements and animation subtly to create an interactive experience for users.
Key Characteristics of Flat Design
Here are the key characteristics that make Flat Design unique.
- 2D Elements - This style uses 2D design elements that avoid gradients, textures, and shadows.
- Clear Typography - This style is known for employing easy-to-read fonts.
- Simple Shapes - Flat Design uses clean and geometric shapes that are not too complex.
- Bright Colors - It uses vibrant colors and visual contrast to make the design more interesting.
- Minimalist Style - Flat design is known for simplicity and clarity. It only emphasizes essential elements and is free of clutter.
Applications of Flat Design Style in UI UX
Here are some applications of Flat Design in UI design that help improve the overall user experience.
- Better Readability - Minimal and clutter-free typography makes content easier to read and understand.
- Faster Load Time - Simple elements take less time to load and improve the overall page speed.
- Improved Responsiveness - A flat design style makes scaling images and other design elements easier, improving a page’s responsiveness.
- Supports SEO - Clean and simple design results in easier website navigation and also makes indexing for search engines convenient.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.