Use visual hierarchy as a method to guide the user. It should show relationships and priorities between elements on the page. If communicated well, it should be clear to the user what the preferred course of action should be. Without visual hierarchy the user is left trying to decide what information is more important. Not all hierarchy is based on size. Here are some other methods to indicate to the user what is most important.

Focus:. The layout indicates where users need to look first.

Flow: The eye flows smoothly and naturally by a clear path through the surface, finding user interface (UI) elements in the order appropriate for their use.

Grouping:. Logically related UI elements have a clear visual relationship. Related items are grouped together; unrelated items are separate.

Emphasis:. UI elements are emphasized based on their relative importance.

Alignment: The UI elements have coordinated placement, so they are easy to scan and appear orderly.