How can you use the "golden ratio" to balance your interface design?

1 What is the golden ratio?

The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion or the phi ratio, is approximately 1.618. It can be derived from a series of numbers called the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the previous two numbers. For example, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on. The ratio of any two consecutive numbers in the sequence is close to the golden ratio. The golden ratio can also be represented by a spiral, a rectangle, or a line that is divided into two segments.

2 Why is the golden ratio important for interface design?

The golden ratio is important for interface design because it can help you create a sense of balance, harmony, and proportion in your layout, typography, images, and icons. The human eye is naturally drawn to the golden ratio, as it is found in nature, art, and architecture. By using the golden ratio, you can make your interface more appealing, engaging, and memorable for your users.

3 How can you use the golden ratio for layout?

One of the simplest ways to use the golden ratio for layout is to divide your interface into two sections using the golden ratio. For example, if your interface width is 1000 pixels, you can divide it into 618 pixels and 382 pixels. The larger section can be used for the main content, while the smaller section can be used for the sidebar, navigation, or secondary content. You can also apply the golden ratio recursively, by dividing each section further into smaller sections using the same proportion.

4 How can you use the golden ratio for typography?

Another way to use the golden ratio for interface design is to apply it to your typography. You can use the golden ratio to determine the optimal font size, line height, and margin for your text. For example, if your base font size is 16 pixels, you can multiply it by 1.618 to get the ideal line height, which is 25.9 pixels. You can also multiply the line height by 1.618 to get the ideal margin, which is 41.9 pixels. By using the golden ratio, you can create a consistent and readable typography system for your interface.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?