Whether you’re a graphic designer, web designer, or UX/UI specialist, understanding key design terms is essential. These terms are not just jargon — they’re tools that help you communicate ideas, work efficiently, and collaborate effectively with teams and clients.
Here’s a breakdown of 25 must-know design terms every designer should master:
- Typography
Typography is the art of arranging type — font style, size, spacing, and alignment — to make written language legible and visually appealing. It’s a cornerstone of good design.
- Kerning
Kerning refers to the space between individual characters in a word. Proper kerning ensures your text looks balanced and is easy to read.
- Leading
Also known as line spacing, leading is the vertical space between lines of text. It affects readability and aesthetics in blocks of text.
- Tracking
Unlike kerning (which adjusts space between specific letters), tracking adjusts the spacing across an entire word or paragraph.
- Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of elements to show importance. This can be achieved using size, color, contrast, and spacing to guide the viewer’s eye.
- White Space (or Negative Space)
This is the empty space around elements in a design. It’s essential for clarity, balance, and helping elements breathe.
- Grid System
A grid is a structure that helps align and organize content on a page. It provides consistency and symmetry across layouts.
- Contrast
Contrast highlights differences between elements, such as color, size, or shape. It helps in creating emphasis and visual interest.
- Alignment
Proper alignment ensures elements are visually connected and organized, leading to a clean, professional look.
- Color Theory
Understanding how colors interact and the psychological impact they have is crucial in design. Concepts include complementary colors, color harmony, and mood setting.
- CMYK vs RGB
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for print design.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for digital screens.
- Resolution
Resolution refers to the quality of an image, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). Higher resolution = better quality.
- Bleed
In print design, bleed is the extra area around your document that gets trimmed off. It ensures your design extends to the edges without white borders.
- Mockup
A mockup is a realistic, static representation of how a final design (website, app, or product) will look.
- Wireframe
A wireframe is a basic visual guide used in UI/UX design to outline the layout and structure of a webpage or app — without any styling.
- Brand Identity
This encompasses all visual elements of a brand, including logos, typography, color schemes, and imagery, to create a consistent and recognizable look.
- UX (User Experience)
UX design focuses on the user’s journey and experience while interacting with a product. Good UX makes things usable, accessible, and enjoyable.
- UI (User Interface)
UI refers to the design of interfaces in software or machines, including buttons, icons, and visual elements users interact with.
- Visual Weight
This is the perceived “heaviness” of a design element. Designers use it to create balance, focus attention, or create hierarchy.
- Focal Point
The part of a design that naturally draws the viewer’s eye first. It can be emphasized using contrast, size, or placement.
- Opacity
Opacity controls how transparent an element is. Lower opacity = more transparent, higher = more solid.
- Vector vs Raster
Vector images are made with paths (e.g., SVG, AI) and can scale without losing quality.
Raster images (e.g., JPG, PNG) are made with pixels and can become blurry when resized.
- Mood Board
A collage of images, colors, typography, and other design elements that convey the visual direction of a project.
- Call to Action (CTA)
A CTA is a prompt that tells the user to take a specific action (e.g., “Buy Now,” “Learn More”). It’s key in UI and marketing design.
- Minimalism
A design style that uses only essential elements, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Less clutter = more clarity.
Wrapping Up
Knowing these foundational terms will help you better understand the design process, communicate ideas, and execute your vision with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or refreshing your skills, these terms form the building blocks of great design.
