HIGs

Human Interface Guidelines (HIGs) are official design documents published by platform owners that describe the preferred ways to build and present software on a given platform. They outline the principles, patterns, and resources developers should follow to create consistent, usable experiences for end users.

HIGs typically cover visual design, interaction patterns, information architecture, typography, colour, iconography, motion, and layout. They specify controls, navigation, and feedback to ensure familiarity across apps, as well as accessibility considerations such as high-contrast modes, scalable text, and assistive technologies. They may also address platform-specific hardware features, localization, and performance recommendations.

Organizations use HIGs during design and development to align with the platform’s ecosystem, facilitate app review, and reduce ambiguity. Teams often reference the guidelines in design documents, prototyping, and code implementations, and they are updated to reflect new OS versions and evolving user expectations.

Prominent examples include Apple's Human Interface Guidelines for iOS and macOS, Microsoft's Windows UX Guidelines (and the Fluent Design system), and Google's Material Design guidelines for Android and web. While each set is platform-specific, they share a common aim: to help developers deliver coherent, accessible, and high-quality user interfaces that feel native to the platform.