Directing attention.
WHAT HIERARCHY IS
The order in which things are noticed.
WHAT CREATES IT
Size Weight Colour and contrast Position Space around it
WHAT TO DECIDE FOR EVERY SCREEN
What should be noticed first, second, third.
WHAT HAPPENS WITHOUT THAT DECISION
The visually loudest thing wins, which is rarely the most important.
WHAT TO MAKE PRIMARY
One thing per screen.
WHAT TO DO WITH SECONDARY ACTIONS
Make them clearly less prominent, while remaining findable.
WHAT TO AVOID
Two elements competing for first place Every heading the same size Emphasis applied to everything
WHAT TO USE SPARINGLY
Colour, for emphasis.
It works by contrast with everything else.
HOW TO TEST HIERARCHY
Look at the screen briefly and note what you saw first.
Or squint until detail disappears.
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether what stands out is what matters.
