UX Movement

How to Use Surface Elevation to Elevate Your Interface

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How to Use Surface Elevation to Elevate Your Interface

  • All user interfaces consist of different surfaces, each with their own purpose.
  • Surface elevation is used to distinguish between background, foreground, and floating elements.
  • Elevation is crucial for components such as toasts, cards, and menus to indicate interactivity.
  • Without proper elevation, components can blend into the background, leading to missed interactions.

The Right Way to Use Drop Shadows

  • Drop shadows are a useful tool for indicating surface elevation and interactivity.
  • However, drop shadows should be used sparingly and intentionally.
  • Overuse of drop shadows can create a cluttered and confusing interface.
  • Use drop shadows to highlight the most important elements and to create a visual hierarchy.