Gild Just One Lily
5 days ago
- #ornamentation
- #user-experience
- #design
- The phrase 'gild the lily' refers to unnecessary ornamentation, but a touch of decoration can enhance design when fundamentals are solid.
- A great design (the 'lily') must be established before adding decorative elements ('gilding').
- Gilding should be subtle—excessive ornamentation can communicate indulgence rather than delight.
- Not all great designs are immediately noticeable; sometimes, a subtle 'wink' can highlight thoughtfulness without distraction.
- Examples of digital gilding include off-black/white colors, layered shadows, comfortable typography, and strategic color accents.
- Unique illustrations or photos add charm, but amateur efforts or stock images may not convey the same care.
- Premium touches (e.g., rounded corners, custom fonts) have become common, so their perceived value has diminished.
- Most users won’t notice fine details like colored shadows, but they contribute to an overall sense of quality and trust.