Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
THE EDGES OF
letter strokes in the gigantic title are used as alignment points for text and for
intrusions of geometric negative space into the column; this spatial area is activated by the large
red callout.
Frost Design
Australia
Establishing Hierarchy
Information is systematic. Most often, it appears as a collec-
tion of parts, each having a different function: for example, callouts, captions, and side-
bars in magazine articles; or primary content, supporting content, and menus on a Web
page. These various parts often repeat, appear within the same space, and support each
other. One of the designer's most important tasks is to give information an order that
allows the viewer to navigate it. This order, called the information's “hierarchy,” is
based on the level of importance the designer assigns to each part of the text. “Import-
ance” means “the part that should be read first, second, third . . .” and so on; it also
refers to the “distinction of function” among the parts: running text (the body of a writ-
ing), as measured against other elements such as page folios, titles and subheads, cap-
tions, and similar items.
Determining hierarchy results from reading the text and ask-
