The Golden Ratio, aka golden mean or divine proportion, is an irrational mathematical ratio that has fascinated people across the globe since the time of Ancient Greece.
Originally used in arts and architecture, the golden ratio is today applied to various branches of science and the fields of design, marketing and web development are no exception to this rule. The golden ratio explains many well-known phenomena, such as the formation of snowflakes, the spiral shapes in seashells and even some famous works of art such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s David.
What is the golden ratio?
The golden ratio is a mathematical constant that is approximately 1.618033989. It can also be expressed as phi (1+√5)/2 = 1.618033988749894848204586834288, where φ represents the golden ratio. This number was first introduced in the book On the Beauty of Numbers by Luca Pacioli (1494).
The golden ratio has been used for many years and across many cultures, but it is most often seen in architecture and design – which are two fields that require a lot of precision and exactness.
When and how should you apply it?
When designing a user interface, you want to create an experience that is pleasing and intuitive for your users. It’s not always easy, but there are some tricks that designers use to create an enjoyable experience.
One of the oldest tricks in the book is the golden ratio. It is often seen as a mathematical formula, which uses two numbers. But the truth of it is that it’s really just a simple proportion that has been used by artists, architects and designers for centuries.
How can you implement a golden ratio into your designs?
Designers should take advantage of the golden ratio in their design process. For example, it might be a good idea to place your logo 50% away from the top or left edge of the canvas, and make sure that your header is at least 64% as tall as it is wide.
If you’re designing a button, keep in mind that its height should be at least 32% of its width. You can also use this ratio in your layouts by making sure that items on the top row are aligned with an item on the bottom row, and vice versa.
Golden ratio case studies
One of the most famous uses of the golden ratio is in the Parthenon. It was a temple built in Athens, Greece by Pericles in 5th century BC. The Parthenon is an iconic example of how this ratio can be applied to architecture.
In web design, it’s often used as a guideline for layout and proportions because it generates more aesthetically-pleasing results. Sites that use this pattern include Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Amazon
What mistakes are companies making with their designs?
- Focusing too much on what the interface looks like rather than how it functions.
- Not considering the user’s needs and preferences as a priority in design.
- Ignoring user testing or failing to adequately test for usability issues before releasing an app or website.
- Failing to consider the context in which people will use their product (e.g., commuting on public transit) and designing accordingly, resulting in products that are difficult or impossible to use while traveling, etc.
Final Note
You should hire UI/UX Design Agency in Bangalore. In general, the ratio is applied across many design principles and disciplines. However, one thing that it is commonly used for is creating a sense of balance or harmony in a layout. It can be seen in the positioning of elements on either side of an axis, or in the way that certain shapes are arranged on the page.
