Have you ever scanned a list or followed subway lines on a map? That’s the Continuation Principle at work!
This design principle helps users navigate your interface by creating visual pathways.
Let’s explore how Continuation can make your designs clear and intuitive.
Seeing Lines Where There Are None: Continuation Explained
Imagine rows of circles — one straight, one curved. Our brains naturally follow the path of the circles, even though there are no connecting lines. This is Continuation — our instinct to connect elements that share a visual path.
Continuation in Action: Design Techniques
- Grid Systems: Forms with aligned input boxes create a visual flow, making them easier to navigate.
- Color Coding: Color-coded subway lines on a map help users follow specific routes.
- Product Listings: Items displayed in a grid on an e-commerce site encourage users to browse.
- Social Media Stories: The familiar circular icons on Instagram Stories imply that content continues beyond the screen.
- Microinteractions: Subtle animations that use Continuation can enhance the user experience. Imagine a progress bar where the completed section smoothly expands, visually guiding the user’s eye towards completion.
- Hierarchy & Focus: Continuation can be used to establish a visual hierarchy. Elements placed along a clear visual path are seen as more important than those placed off the path.
Beyond the Basics
- User Flow: Continuation can be used to guide users through a specific flow or sequence of actions within your interface. Imagine a checkout process where steps are visually connected, leading the user through each stage.
- Scannable Content: Continuation helps users quickly scannable content. Imagine a news website where headlines are aligned and visually connected, making it easy for users to find articles of interest.
By understanding Continuation, you can create interfaces that are not only functional but also intuitive and easy to follow.
Users will spend less time deciphering your design and more time enjoying the experience!
Bonus Tip
Look around you! Continuation is everywhere — stairs with a clear path, rows of books on a shelf — all using visual cues to guide your eye. See how often it’s used in your daily life!
