Neat Tabs

A well-crafted tab is almost invisible.

When I design tabs, I focus on three principles: consistency creates predictable patterns, exclusivity brings clarity through singular focus, and fluidity makes transitions feel natural. The goal is to make tabs so intuitive that users forget they exist, flowing effortlessly through content without pausing to think about the interface itself.

The most crucial aspect lies in the delicate dance between active and inactive states. The active tab must feel present and grounded, connected to the content it reveals, forming a visual bridge between navigation and information. Meanwhile, inactive tabs should feel available but receded—ready to serve but never competing for attention. This invisibility emerges from accumulated details: the precise timing of transitions, the subtle weight differences in typography, the breathing room around each label. When I achieve this balance, I've created something more valuable than beautiful design—transparent interaction, where the tool disappears and the work remains.