Design & Hierarchy

Recommendation: Ensure content is well-organized and that a clear visual hierarchy is established. Visitors should be able to quickly glance at the page and understand the most important information and message of the page, as well as where to go next.

Visual hierarchy is the order in which a user processes content on a page. Information should be organized in the visitors’ best interest. It is important to understand how the visitor wants to find the information they are looking for, and design the solution.

Visitors tend to visually process content with these two patterns:

  • The Z Pattern: Users scan the top from left to right, follow a diagonal, and then scan the bottom for the information they are seeking. This Pattern is common on pages with more graphical content.
  • The F Pattern: Users scan the top from left to right, then drop their gaze a bit lower before repeating.

Supporting Research