Principle of Divisibility by 4 | HIG vs Material
Material Design and Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) use a spacing system based on the principle of divisibility by 4, although the implementation and emphasis differ slightly between the two. Firstly, let’s explore the question:
Why Divisibility by 4?
Consistency: Designing with multiples of 4 helps ensure consistent spacing, alignment, and sizing of elements, leading to a balanced and visually appealing design.
Scalability: This principle supports scalability across different resolutions and devices, making it easier to create responsive and adaptive layouts.
Readability: Consistent spacing contributes to improved readability and usability, particularly in complex interfaces with multiple interactive elements.
Material Design
1. Grid System:
- Material Design primarily uses an 8dp (density-independent pixels) grid system. This is a multiple of 4, which helps maintain consistency across different screen resolutions and devices.
- While 8dp is the standard increment, Material Design allows for 4dp adjustments to achieve finer alignment and balance.
2. Spacing and Layout:
- The 8dp grid creates a consistent rhythm, making it easier to design elements that align and balance well with one another.
- Most UI elements, such as padding, margins, and spacing between components, adhere to multiples of 8dp, but can occasionally use 4dp for precise spacing.
3. Flexibility:
- Material Design's flexible grid system helps create responsive layouts that can adjust to different device sizes and orientations while maintaining a cohesive design.
Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)
1. Grid System:
- The HIG for iOS primarily uses a 4-point grid system, which is a direct application of the divisible by 4 principle.
- While the 4-point grid is standard, iOS designers often use increments of 5 or 10 points for larger components or specific design needs.
2. Spacing and Layout:
- The use of 4pt increments ensures consistent spacing across various elements, creating a visually balanced interface.
- Elements such as margins, padding, and text placement often use larger increments (e.g., 8, 16, 24 points) to ensure readability and accessibility.
3. Flexibility:
- HIG emphasizes adaptability for different screen sizes and safe areas (e.g., accommodating notches and rounded corners on iPhones), often resulting in adjustments to the grid while maintaining the divisibility principle.
Key Differences and Similarities
Base Unit:
- Material Design primarily uses an 8dp base unit but allows for 4dp adjustments.
- HIG primarily uses a 4-point base unit with the flexibility to use larger increments for specific elements.
Grid Flexibility:
- Material Design emphasizes a flexible grid system that supports responsive design across a wide range of devices.
- HIG focuses on adaptability within the Apple ecosystem, accommodating specific device features and constraints.
Component Sizing:
- Material Design UI components often use multiples of 8dp, but precise alignment may require 4dp adjustments.
- HIG UI components are typically sized using multiples of 4 points, ensuring consistency and balance.
In Summary
Both Material Design and HIG incorporate the divisible by 4 principle to maintain consistent spacing and layout.
The use of a base grid system (8dp for Material Design and 4pt for HIG) helps create a cohesive and harmonious design language that scales across different devices and screen sizes.
By adhering to this principle, designers can create interfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and user-friendly.
