When most people think of feng shui, they picture furniture placement, natural light, and flowing energy in a physical space. But the same principles that bring balance and harmony to a room can also guide how we design digital spaces. After all, both environments—physical and digital—shape how people feel, behave, and connect.

In UX design, our job is to create products that are not only functional, but also intuitive and inspiring. Feng shui offers a surprisingly relevant framework to achieve this balance.

1. Flow and Navigation (Chi)

In feng shui, chi is the life force energy that should move smoothly through a space. In UX design, the equivalent is user flow. A website or app should guide people effortlessly from one point to the next without bottlenecks, dead ends, or unnecessary obstacles.

• Feng Shui: Avoid clutter and blocked pathways.

• UX: Simplify navigation, minimize clicks, and create clear calls-to-action.

2. Balance of Elements

Feng shui uses five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—to create harmony. In UX, balance comes from the thoughtful use of visual elements like typography, color, shape, and spacing.

• Feng Shui: A balance of elements avoids chaos or stagnation.

• UX: A balance of visuals creates hierarchy, readability, and emotional resonance.Minimize Code

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3. Clarity of Entry Points

The entrance of a home sets the tone in feng shui—it should be welcoming and clear. In UX, the entry point is the homepage or landing page. It should immediately communicate purpose, build trust, and orient users.

• Feng Shui: A clean, open entry invites positive energy.

• UX: A clear homepage sets expectations and reduces cognitive load.

4. Space and Breathing Room

Feng shui emphasizes open space so energy can circulate. Similarly, UX design relies on white space to let content breathe, reduce overwhelm, and highlight what matters most.

• Feng Shui: Too much clutter disrupts flow.

• UX: Overloaded interfaces frustrate users. Space brings calm and focus.

5. Alignment With Purpose

Every room in feng shui has a purpose—bedrooms for rest, kitchens for nourishment. Likewise, every screen in a product should serve a clear purpose. Alignment with intention ensures users know where they are, what they can do, and why it matters.

• Feng Shui: Spaces designed for intention support well-being.

• UX: Pages designed for purpose support usability and conversion.

Designing With Harmony

At their core, both feng shui and UX design are about human experience—how environments affect us emotionally, mentally, and physically. By blending these principles, designers can create digital products that feel not only functional but also harmonious, inspiring, and even a little bit magical.

In the end, good UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about creating digital spaces that feel as natural and balanced as walking into a room that just “feels right.”

When you design, think like a feng shui master. Ask yourself: is the space clear, balanced, purposeful, and flowing? If the answer is yes, you’re not just designing a product—you’re designing an experience that inspires ease and delight.