Briefle words · UI design
Light source
The imaginary direction light comes from, which should be the same for every shadow on the screen.
Say it to an AI
Two-column kanban board with a card's action menu open. Use one light source from straight above and a tiny shadow scale: columns stay flat, every card gets the same subtle shadow, and the dropdown menu sits at the highest elevation with a larger, softer shadow and a hairline border.
How an expert would brief the stronger version of “Kanban board”.
See it
Try it as a puzzle →Task board in a team project tool, with a card's action menu open.
Why: B's shadows all fall straight down. A's cards throw shadows straight down while the menu's shadow falls down and to the right.
Related words
Room 5 · Spacing & layout
Learn “Light source” in a five-minute lesson