"Visual hierarchy, according to Gestalt psychology, is a pattern in the visual field wherein some elements tend to 'stand out,' or attract attention, more strongly than other elements, suggesting a hierarchy of importance."
Describes the use of size, contrast, and color to establish a clear order of importance for visual elements within a design.
Typography: The way we use different font sizes, styles, colors, and weights to make some words or phrases more noticeable and readable than others.
Color theory: The study of how different colors interact with each other to create contrasts, harmony, or emphasis. A good understanding of color theory can help in creating a visual hierarchy where certain elements stand out more than others.
Contrast: The difference in brightness, hue, or saturation between two or more elements on a page. Contrast can be used to emphasize the most important information, draw attention to call-to-action buttons, or create visual interest.
Alignment: The positioning of different elements on a page to create a clear and organized layout. Proper alignment can make it easier for viewers to scan and understand the information presented.
Size and Scale: The size of different elements on a page, and how they relate to each other. Using size and scale effectively can help in guiding the viewer's eye to the most important elements on the page.
White space: The empty spaces around different elements on the page, which can help in directing the viewer's attention to specific areas. Proper use of white space can also make a design look less cluttered and more professional.
Shapes and symbols: The use of shapes and symbols can aid in breaking down information and making it easier to understand. Different shapes can also be used to create focal points and draw attention to important information.
Grid systems: The use of grid systems to create a framework for designing layouts can help in creating a consistent and cohesive visual hierarchy across different pages.
Image placement: The placement of images on a page can help in guiding the viewer's eye to important information or create emotional connections with the content.
Hierarchy structures: Different structures can be used to create a clear hierarchy of information on a page, such as inverted pyramid, chronological or alphabetical order, and thematic groupings.
Navigation design: Navigation design involves creating a clear and intuitive system for moving between different pages or sections of a website. The use of visual hierarchy can help in creating a clear pathway for the viewer to follow.
Analytics and user testing: Analyzing user behavior and testing different designs can help in refining the visual hierarchy and creating a better user experience.
Size: The use of size to create a clear and organized visual hierarchy.
Color: The use of color to create interest and emphasis, as well as guide the viewer's eyes around the design.
Contrast: The use of contrasting colors, shapes, and sizes to create a clear sense of visual hierarchy.
Alignment: The use of alignment to create order and a clear sense of structure in a design.
Proximity: The use of proximity to group related elements together and create a sense of organization.
Typography: The use of typography to create a clear hierarchy of important information, such as headings and subheadings.
Shape: The use of shapes to create a sense of structure and visual interest.
Texture: The use of texture to create a sense of depth and interest, as well as guide the viewer's eyes around the design.
Space: The use of negative space to create a sense of balance and organization in a design.
Direction: The use of directional cues, such as arrows, to guide the viewer's eyes around the design.
Density: The use of density to create a sense of weight and importance within a design.
Depth: The use of depth to create a sense of perspective and visual interest.
Hierarchy: The use of a clear, hierarchical structure to organize information within a design.
"While it may occur naturally in any visual field..."
"...the term is most commonly used in design (especially graphic design and cartography)..."
"...where elements are intentionally designed to make some look more important than others."
"This order is created by the visual contrast between forms in a field of perception."
"Objects with the highest contrast to their surroundings are recognized first by the human mind."