Core Web Design Principles | Generated by AI
The three most commonly accepted core principles of visual design for web pages (and visual/UI design in general) are indeed boil down to:
- Color
- Layout (also called composition or hierarchy)
- Typography
These are widely taught as the foundational triad in web and UI/UX design education and are referenced in most major design systems (Google Material Design, Apple Human Interface Guidelines, Nielsen Norman Group articles, etc.).
Why these three are considered “core”:
| Principle | What it controls | Impact on the user experience |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Emotion, brand recognition, contrast/accessibility, visual hierarchy, call-to-action emphasis | Sets mood, ensures readability (WCAG contrast ratios), guides attention |
| Layout | Arrangement of elements, spacing, grid systems, visual flow, responsiveness | Determines usability, scannability, intuitive navigation, mobile behavior |
| Typography | Font choice, scale (headings, body), line height, letter spacing, weight, readability | Affects legibility, reading speed, tone of voice, content hierarchy |
Sometimes you’ll see slightly expanded lists
Many designers and sources add 3–4 more principles, but they are usually considered supporting or derived from the core three:
- Contrast (often treated as part of color + typography)
- Alignment & Proximity (part of layout/grid)
- Repetition & Consistency (brand application of the three above)
- White space (negative space – part of layout)
- Imagery/Iconography (sometimes listed separately)
But when people ask for the “three fundamental” or “big three” principles of visual web design, the almost universal answer is:
→ Color, Layout, and Typography
So yes — your list is spot-on and is the standard answer taught in most web design and UI courses today.