Visual Hierarchy Principles

Visual hierarchy guides users’ attention through content using perceptual cues. It’s based on how human vision processes information.

Core Principle: Use contrast to create focal points and guide eye movement.

Five Primary Tools:

1. Size: Larger elements attract attention first
2. Color: High contrast and bright colors draw focus
3. Position: Top-left gets attention first (Western reading pattern)
4. Spacing: White space creates emphasis through isolation
5. Typography: Weight, style, and family create distinction

Mental Model: Think like a newspaper layout - headlines, subheads, body text, captions each have distinct treatment.

CSS Implementation:

• Use scale ratios for consistent size relationships
• Limit color palette to maintain contrast effectiveness
• Apply spacing systematically via design tokens

Key Insight: Hierarchy isn’t just visual prettiness - it’s functional communication design.

Related: Typography Scale, Color Theory Fundamentals, CSS Design Tokens