The T.A.S.T.E. Framework (your anti-ugly autopilot)
T — Trim: Remove one thing from every section. If the goal still works, keep it out.
A — Align: Snap everything to a simple grid and a single spacing unit (e.g., 8). Consistent spacing = instant polish.
S — Spotlight: Pick one “hero” per screen/slide/section. Make that 2× bigger or bolder; let everything else play support.
T — Tone: Lock color + type. 60/30/10 for color (neutral/base/accent). Two typefaces max (one for headings, one for body).
E — Evaluate: Run the three quick tests below before you call it done.
Quick Tests that Catch Ugly (fast + brutal)
- Squint Test: Squint your eyes. Do you still see the main thing? If not, boost contrast or size of the hero.
- Grayscale Test: View it in black & white. If it dies, you’re leaning on color instead of hierarchy. Fix weights/size/spacing.
- 5‑Second Scan: Show it to someone for five seconds. Ask, “What matters and what do you do next?” If they hesitate, simplify.
Guardrails That Keep It Classy
- Color: One accent color only. Save gradients or special effects for the hero element—not everything.
- Type: Two fonts, three sizes on a page (e.g., 32/20/16). Line length ~45–75 characters.
- Spacing: Pick a unit (4, 8, or 12). Use multiples everywhere: padding, gaps, margins.
- Shapes: One corner radius across the whole thing. One stroke weight. One shadow style (or none).
- Imagery: One style. If photos, stick to similar lighting/tones. If icons, keep the same stroke style.
- Copy: Cut fluff by 30%. Replace adjectives with verbs and numbers. (“Grew signups 42%” beats “very impactful.”)
Tasteful “Wow” (choose ONE, seriously)
- A bold hero headline with generous whitespace.
- A single crisp accent color carried through buttons/links/highlights.
- One premium image/illustration that tells the whole story.
- Micro‑motion on the primary action (hover/press feedback).
Pick one. More than one = visual arms race = ugly.
15‑Minute Polish Sprint (set a timer)
- Nuke noise: Remove any extra box, line, logo, flourish, or word that isn’t doing work.
- Set the grid: Choose your spacing unit; align everything.
- Lock the palette: Neutral base + one accent.
- Tighten type: Two fonts, consistent sizes, fix line height.
- Hero pass: Enlarge the one thing that matters. De‑emphasize the rest.
- Run tests: Squint → Grayscale → 5‑Second Scan. Ship.
If “it” is a…
Website/UI:
- Make primary button unmistakable; all other buttons go outline/ghost.
- Reduce shadows; prefer contrast + spacing over effects.
- Replace underlines with subtle background highlights for key links.
Slide deck:
- One message per slide. 32pt+ text. Ditch bullet clutter—use 3–5 max.
- Use full‑bleed images sparingly; pair with 6–10 words of punchy text.
Resume/portfolio:
- One page if possible; strong verbs + metrics.
- Generous margins and whitespace—let your wins breathe.
Outfit/room:
- Neutrals as base, one statement piece (watch, shoes, pillow, lamp).
- Fit and proportions > logos every time.
- Texture > pattern when in doubt.
Writing/post:
- Lead with the outcome, not the backstory.
- Short sentences. Kill adverbs. Add proof (data, example, screenshot).
The Rule That Never Fails
If you can remove it and nothing breaks, remove it.
Elegance isn’t adding the best thing—it’s subtracting the worst friction.
No‑Ugly Checklist (run this before you publish/wear/share)
- One hero per screen/section
- Two fonts, one spacing system, one corner radius
- Neutral base, one accent color (60/30/10)
- Visual hierarchy still holds in grayscale
- You can explain it in one sentence
- A stranger knows what to do in five seconds
You’ve got this. Don’t chase “more.” Chase clarity. Trim, align, spotlight, tone, evaluate—repeat. Do that, and your thing won’t just look better; it’ll hit harder.