Why design in base 8 in UI?
With the expansion of mobile devices and the strong competition between operating systems like Android and Apple, app design has faced an unprecedented diversity of screens and resolutions. Each manufacturer releases devices with unique features, and screen size, in particular, can vary drastically between models.
This has created significant complexity in visual interface design, as adapting each element to multiple screens and dimensions increases development costs and time.
To solve this challenge, designers have adopted an approach that makes their work easier: the 8-pixel grid system.
What is the 8-pixel grid system?
This system consists of using 8-pixel increments to define sizes, margins, and spacing between elements. It creates a grid that ensures everything looks aligned and organized, whether viewed on a phone, tablet, or ultrawide monitor.
Additionally, using this rule makes team collaboration more efficient. Designers and developers can work seamlessly together since everyone follows the same system, reducing errors and speeding up the process.
Why 8 and not another number?
The number 8 is ideal for UI design because, being even, it allows for precise divisions without requiring half pixels, ensuring better alignment and accuracy. This enhances both scalability and visual organization, maintaining a clean and consistent design across all devices.
Unlike multiples like 6 or 10, 8 offers the perfect balance:
- 6 is too detailed, making spacing options overwhelming.
- 10 can feel too rigid and monotonous.
- 8 provides enough flexibility while maintaining simplicity.
Additionally, major platforms like Apple and Android support 8-pixel grids, ensuring efficient adaptation across different screens and improving user experience.
Create a coherent typography scale
Typography in UI design must be functional and easy to read on any device. Using multiples of 8 for font sizes helps establish a clear hierarchy between different text types, such as titles, subtitles, and paragraphs. This structure makes it easy for users to navigate intuitively, immediately understanding what is most important in the interface.
The 8-pixel scale not only enhances visual organization but also ensures that font sizes align harmoniously with other design elements, like margins and spacing.
Improve usability with consistent spacing
Applying 8-pixel increments to spacing — such as margins and padding — helps create a structured, visually balanced layout throughout the interface. By maintaining consistent spacing between elements (e.g., 8px, 16px, 24px, etc.), designers ensure that the layout looks clean and well-organized, regardless of the screen size.
This approach also improves readability and navigation, as spacing between sections, buttons, and other components remains predictable and clear, reducing cognitive overload. By following a logical proportion, the design feels intuitive and user-friendly, naturally guiding the user’s attention.
Spacing and accessibility
Proper spacing plays a crucial role in accessibility. In touch interfaces or for users relying on screen readers, well-spaced elements improve interaction:
- Larger tap targets on buttons reduce the chance of accidental taps.
- Adequate spacing between elements ensures smooth navigation for users with motor impairments.
Define component sizes
Using multiples of 8 for UI components — such as buttons, cards, and containers — helps maintain a visually balanced and functional layout.
For example:
- Buttons: 48px
- Cards: 64px
- Modals: 320px+
This standardized approach ensures that interactive elements have the optimal size for usability, especially on touch screens.
Final thoughts
Designing with the 8-pixel grid system simplifies the chaos of digital design. It ensures that everything aligns naturally and fluidly, making both designers and developers work more efficiently while providing users with a consistent and seamless experience across all devices.
If you want a cleaner, scalable, and adaptable design, the 8-pixel grid is the way to go.
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