Why use sub headings?
SHAKING THE TREE #46
This is a subheading …
Its job is to gently direct your attention into the text below because ...
It introduces the concept of visual hierarchy
Visual hierarchy is a fundamental concept in graphic design that plays a crucial role in creating effective and aesthetically pleasing designs.
See how this subheading invites you down into the text?
Visual hierarchy revolves around the arrangement and prioritization of visual elements to guide the your attention and to convey information in a clear and organized manner.
How about you read a little more …
Subheadings can act as stand alone signposts. Or they can work in unison, each one giving an extra bit of the story. When it comes to type sizes and page design, visual hierarchy’s job is to is:
Guide the viewer's eye: Visual hierarchy helps direct the viewer's gaze to the most important elements on a page. By varying type sizes, you can emphasize key information, such as headlines, subheadings, or calls to action. This ensures that viewers engage with the content in a structured way, following the intended flow.
Organize information: Effective page design often involves presenting a variety of information, from headlines and body text to captions and labels. Proper use of type sizes allows you to organize this information hierarchically, making it easier for the viewer to digest and understand. For example, larger type can represent headings, while smaller type indicates supporting details.
Create emphasis: Type size is a powerful tool for creating emphasis. Larger fonts naturally draw more attention, so by strategically using larger type for critical elements, you can highlight key messages, important data points, or essential calls to action. This helps convey the primary message and encourages user interaction.
Enhance readability: Properly sized type enhances readability. Headings should be larger than body text to distinguish them clearly. Additionally, text size should be appropriate for the medium (e.g., print or digital) and the viewing distance (e.g., a poster viewed from a distance or a website viewed on a screen).
Establish information hierarchy: Visual hierarchy is not limited to type size alone; it extends to other design elements like color, spacing, and layout. When used in harmony, these elements create a cohesive visual language that reinforces the hierarchy of information. Consistency in type sizes, colors, and spacing contributes to a polished and professional appearance.
Aiding scannability: In today's fast-paced world, many viewers skim content rather than reading it thoroughly. Visual hierarchy assists in creating scannable content by making it easy for readers to identify key points, headers, and relevant details. This increases the chances of retaining information from the content.
Enhance brand identity: Visual hierarchy also plays a role in brand identity. Consistent use of type sizes and styles across various materials reinforces a brand's visual identity. This consistency helps viewers instantly recognize and associate content with the brand.
Subheadings and visual hierarchy are two important design principles that ensure that the most important information stands out and that content is organized in a logical and engaging manner.
By strategically selecting and arranging type sizes in conjunction with other design elements, designers can guide the viewer's eye, create emphasis, and enhance overall communication effectiveness in both print and digital media.
Subheadings are an important cornerstone of successful graphic design that greatly influences how audiences perceive and interact with your visual content.
How will you make use of them in your next project?
As always, thanks for reading.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn
And if you’ve like what you’ve seen here, why not become a subscriber?
P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … The power of changing your mind.