Key Principles of Digital Design

The key principles of digital design principles include:

• Contrast: The use of contrasting elements, such as different colors or sizes, to draw attention to certain parts of the design.
• Proximity: The placement of related elements close together to indicate a relationship or hierarchy.
• Alignment: The alignment of elements in a consistent manner to create a sense of order and balance.
• Repetition: The repetition of certain design elements, such as color or shape, to create a cohesive and unified design.
• Simplicity: The use of simple, clean and uncluttered design elements to create a clear and easy-to-understand message.
• Hierarchy: The use of visual cues, such as size, color, and placement, to indicate the importance of different elements in the design.
• Balance: The distribution of visual weight in a design to create a sense of stability and equilibrium.
• Color theory: The use of color in a design to create meaning, mood, and emphasis.
• Typography: The use of different typefaces, font size, and spacing to create visual hierarchy and emphasis.
• White space: The use of negative space in a design to create a sense of balance and to separate different elements.

Some of the best in class designs in the digital space include

• Apple's website and product design is a great example of how contrast, alignment, and simplicity can be used effectively to create a clean and modern look. The use of white space and the alignment of elements creates a sense of order and balance, while the use of contrasting colors and typography draws attention to key information.
• The redesign of the Google homepage in 2015 is an example of how a minimalist approach can be used to create a clean and user-friendly design. The use of white space and a simple color palette creates a sense of balance, while the alignment of elements and the use of typography create a clear visual hierarchy.
• The Nike website is an example of how repetition, proximity, and hierarchy can be used to create a cohesive and consistent design. The repeated use of the Nike swoosh logo creates a sense of brand identity, while the placement of related elements close together and the use of typography to create hierarchy makes the site easy to navigate.
• The Airbnb website is a great example of how color theory and hierarchy can be used to create a sense of personality and warmth. The use of a muted color palette and photographs creates a sense of authenticity, while the use of typography and white space creates a clear visual hierarchy that guides the user through the site.
• The Instagram app is an example of how balance can be used in digital design. The layout of the app uses grid system which gives a balance composition to photos and videos. Also the use of white space and a simple color palette creates a sense of balance, while the use of typography and simple icons create a clear visual hierarchy that guides the user through the app.

Few examples of leadig companies that provide expertise in digital design include:

• R/GA: a digital agency that provides services in digital design, branding, and user experience design.
• IDEO: A global design and consulting firm that helps organizations design and innovate through digital design, product design and service design.
• Frog Design: A global design and strategy firm that helps companies create and bring to market meaningful products, services, and experiences.
• Fantasy Interactive (Fi): A digital agency that specializes in user experience, digital product design, and branding.
• Digital Kitchen: A design and branding agency that specializes in creating immersive and engaging digital experiences.
• Method: A digital product design and development firm that helps companies create impactful digital products and services.
• AKQA: A digital agency that specializes in creating digital experiences and products for some of the world's leading brands.
• Sid Lee: A global creative agency that provides services in digital design, branding, and advertising.
• Fantasy Interactive (Fi): A digital agency that specializes in user experience, digital product design, and branding.
• Huge: A global digital agency that provides services in digital design, branding, and user experience design.
• Adaptive Path: A user experience consulting firm that helps companies create digital products and services that are user-centered and easy to use.
• Designit: a global strategic design firm that helps companies create digital products and services that are innovative, user-centered and easy to use.

There are many other agencies and design firms out there that offer similar services, so it's worth doing some research to find the right one for your specific needs.