Learning Outcomes:
- Understand Visual Hierarchy in UI Design.
- Step-by-Step Redesign of Content Blocks.
- Practical Applications for UI Layouts.
Creating visually stunning and functional UI content blocks is a key skill for any designer working on mobile apps or websites. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll focus on applying visual hierarchy, a critical principle in UI design that helps users navigate content effortlessly. Using simple yet versatile elements like content blocks, we’ll show you how to go from cluttered layouts to clean and professional designs.
Content blocks are everywhere – in blog posts, dashboards, and app interfaces. By understanding and applying visual hierarchy, you’ll create designs that not only look great but also communicate effectively.
Anatomy of Content Blocks
A typical content block might include:
- An image
- A title
- A content snippet
- A date
In its default state, these elements might all look similar in size and weight, creating a flat design that lacks clarity and focus. Without visual hierarchy, users may struggle to identify what’s most important at a glance.
Applying Visual Hierarchy: Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can redesign a content block to establish a strong visual hierarchy:
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Step 1: Highlight the Image
Make the image larger to draw immediate attention. As a visually dominant element, the image naturally becomes the primary focal point.
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Step 2: Enhance the Title
Increase the size and boldness of the title. This ensures it stands out as the secondary focus, capturing users’ attention after the image.
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Step 3: Subdue Less Important Details
For elements like the date, use a lighter grey colour to reduce their visual prominence. This allows the title and body text to take centre stage while maintaining a clean and organized look.
Advanced Layout: Designing 2-Column Content Blocks
For more complex interfaces, a 2-column layout can improve content organization and usability. Here’s how to apply visual hierarchy in this context:
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Focus on the Image: Make the image taller to ensure it grabs attention first.
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Strengthen the Title: Use bold, larger text to distinguish the title from other elements.
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Refine the Date: De-emphasize the date by using a lighter colour.
4
Category Highlight: Add a coloured background to the category name for emphasis and interactivity.
These adjustments create a balanced layout that’s both visually engaging and functional.
A UI Transformation with Visual Hierarchy
By applying these techniques, your content blocks will transform from flat and uninspiring to dynamic and user-friendly. Notice how the redesigned layout:
- Directs attention to key elements in order of importance.
- Improves readability and flow.
- Enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.
Summary
Visual hierarchy is a fundamental principle that can dramatically improve your UI designs.
By prioritizing elements based on their importance and adjusting their size, weight, and colour, you can create layouts that are both attractive and effective.
Now it’s your turn to put these tips into practice. Start experimenting with your own content blocks and see how visual hierarchy can transform your designs. If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow designers and keep exploring new ways to refine your UI skills!