Hierarchy
Design Principles
Organizes elements to establish a clear order of importance, guiding the viewer's eye through the design.
In practice
In graphic and information design, hierarchy refers to the organization of visual elements to convey importance and guide the viewer's attention. Designers use hierarchy to establish a clear order of significance, employing techniques such as size, color, and positioning to prioritize information and create a structured visual flow that enhances readability and comprehension.
Questions
What is Hierarchy?
Hierarchy is the deliberate ordering of elements by importance, so a viewer takes them in in the intended sequence.
Why do you use Hierarchy?
People scan before they read. Hierarchy is what makes the scan land in the right place.
How do you use/apply Hierarchy?
Use size, weight, colour, position and space to create clear levels, and make sure there are only a few — a hierarchy with eight levels has none.
When do you use Hierarchy?
In every layout, and most critically in dense information.
Who uses Hierarchy?
Graphic, product and information designers.
