Curious on how the principles of visual hierarchy work in web design? Learn from the top web design school, CIIT Philippines.
1. Size
Larger objects demand more attention. Using size as a hierarchal tool is an effective way to guide the viewers’ eyes to a particular part of a web page. Size is one of the most powerful features of organization; thus, relating it to the design is important. Make vital objects the biggest components and the least ones the smallest.
2. Color
Another basic ingredient of a great website is color. A black and white website may work for niches such as photography, but according to experts, colors make websites appealing.
3. Contrast
Contrast comprises size, color, shape, texture, and direction and is the easiest way to create visual importance and tell people what to look for in a page. Dramatic shifts in text size or color will tell that something is different and needs attention. Likewise, changing from a light backdrop color can separate the footer from the page’s main content.
4. Repetition
Repetition denotes relative meanings to components. If the “paragraph” text is blue, when the user sees a new block of blue text, he’ll assume it as another basic paragraph. When that same user encounters a red or black title, he will assume it as different and unique from the blue text.
5. Rules of Thirds
This simple technique divides your design into nine equal parts (three columns and three rows). The ridge where the horizontal and vertical lines meet will be your focal point.
6. Density and White Space
White space is the part between texts, images, columns, graphics, margins, and other page components.
While stuffing them very near each other makes website pages “heavy” and cluttered, placing them apart may affect their relationship. Once you design a page “just right,” users will know when the components are related and when they’re not.
7. Balance
In web design, you achieve balance when the parts are symmetrical; hence, you create harmony, order, and cohesion. In contrast, you can have asymmetry that leads to interesting results in return.
8. Texture
Add texture to your design to lessen negative spaces and attract visitors’ attention.
9. Visual Triangle
A visual triangle occurs when you use three elements to create such a shape around the content you will highlight. You will often find this design technique in scrapbooks.
10. Movement
Two reading patterns exist: the F-pattern and the Z-pattern. When you align your text/design with these movement patterns, it will help your content attract more readers. If your visitor isn’t moving in the direction you want them to, use A/B testing that follow these patterns.
In an ideal world, viewers will read your page, giving you more time to communicate your message. In reality, though, you only have a few seconds to grab their attention and tell them about your website. Thus, master visual hierarchy to control how visitors treat your page. Through a precise hierarchy of information and graphics, readers will unconsciously follow the trail you have set for them.
Do you have a website design that needs optimizing or reviewing? Or are you planning to enroll in a web design school to have formal knowledge in the field? Either way, these principles of effective web design can help your website to be more engaging and useful to visitors.
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Seven Web Design Facts Every Aspiring Designer Should Know
Top Web Design Color Schemes You Should Master in School
Sources: webdesign.tutsplus.com | impactbnd.com | conversionxl.com | cleverism.com
