Hierarchy Principles

The single most important thing in any visual design.

How to use

• /hierarchy-principles Apply hierarchy constraints to any design work in this conversation.

Constraints

Hierarchy Rules

• MUST establish a clear primary element on every screen. If everything is important, nothing is.
• MUST create hierarchy through at least two of: scale, weight, contrast, color, space, position
• MUST ensure visual weight matches content priority (the most important thing is the most prominent)
• NEVER allow two elements to compete at the same hierarchy level unless intentional tension is the goal
• SHOULD test by covering half the screen. Can you still tell what's most important?

Hierarchy Tools

• Scale: Bigger things get seen first. The ratio between largest and smallest defines your range.