Visual Hierarchy and Legibility

Visual hierarchy:

The main goal of design is to communicate. By using the concept of visual hierarchy you can more effectively communicate information. You can emphasize significant information to attract the viewer’s eye, organising the elements of the design to create a scale of importance.

Visual hierarchy creates centres of interest on the page, highlighting sections you wish the viewer to see with importance. Ultimately leading the eye around the piece, drawing attention to the main features. To create a hierarchy you adjust the visual weight of the elements, there are several methods to regulate visual weight – theses are size, colour, density and space, also images adjust visual weight.

The example I have chosen is the cover of Elle magazine, I feel there are three main parts to the cover – the image being the main focus, then the title and the main feature articles. The image is striking taking up a large percentage of the cover, with a strong facial expression, her hand on her chest and the black bow underneath, it keeps your eye moving down the centre of the page. Her face is being framed by the two L’s of the title, bringing your attention to the title and then down each side of the page to the bold headings, informing you of what the main articles are about. Most of the type throughout the cover is uppercase using similar fonts and limited colours, this consistency keeps it simple and allows you to easily view all the items without confusion.

Legibility:

What makes a visual communication legible?

Legibility is all about how well a piece of communication is viewed, mainly can the type be read clearly and also looking at images and if they can be understood. There are a few key things that should be considered to ensure type is legible - they are size, layout, typeface and colour. Also big chunks of writing, especially in capitals, should be avoided as it is generally hard to read, also text over images as this often makes them both illegible.

Looking at the same example above of the Elle magazine cover, nothing has been lost on the page everything is readable. The title is a pastel colour in a large, bold typeface at the very top of the cover making it stand out from the other elements and not interfering with the image.  Also the black type over the centre section of the image is bold, simple and has been carefully placed in order for it to be clearly visible.

Thinking about the combination of visual hierarchy and legibility leads to well thought out, clear and successful pieces of visual communication.