law-of-continuity

Align elements along shared edges or implied lines so the eye follows a smooth path, then use arrows, chevrons, and connecting lines to make that path explicit. Break continuity deliberately with gaps or dividers to signal new sections.

Continuity concerns sequencing and directional flow along aligned paths, while proximity concerns grouping items by spatial closeness. Use continuity for timelines and step flows; use proximity when the goal is grouping rather than sequencing.

Timelines rely on a connecting line that turns unordered items into a directional sequence. Carousels use dot indicators and arrows to make the horizontal path of slides visible, signaling both order and interaction affordance.

Even single-pixel misalignment interrupts the continuous vertical edge the eye follows, forcing reorientation at each field. Consistent left alignment of inputs creates one uninterrupted reading path and reduces friction at every step.

Break continuity deliberately to signal transitions: a larger gap announces a new section, a divider marks a category boundary, and indentation moves content onto a secondary axis to express sub-hierarchy without extra typography.