Creative Terms

Visual Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy is the principle of arranging visual elements in advertising to control the order in which viewers process information. It uses size, color, contrast, spacing, typography, and motion to guide attention through key messages in a deliberate sequence that maximizes comprehension and response. Effective visual hierarchy aligns with natural eye movement patterns and cognitive processing while accounting for platform-specific user behaviors.

Definition

Visual hierarchy is the principle of arranging visual elements in advertising to control the order in which viewers process information. It uses size, color, contrast, spacing, typography, and motion to guide attention through key messages in a deliberate sequence that maximizes comprehension and response. Effective visual hierarchy aligns with natural eye movement patterns and cognitive processing while accounting for platform-specific user behaviors.

Examples

Using larger text size and contrast for primary messages

Employing color contrast to highlight call-to-action buttons

Strategic white space to separate key information blocks

Motion design that guides viewer through key points

Typography hierarchy that establishes clear reading order

Supplemental Resources

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  • 📚[Data]

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