The way
elements are arranged on screen carries lots of meaning that we
interpret subconsciously when decoding web pages.
The relative positions implies
relationships on lots of different levels.
The key is to make sure you represent
visually the correct relationships.
Layout tools
You can use tools like contrast and
spacing to help differentiate elements.
Other techniques are useful for
visually associating similar elements.
These techniques are often used in
combination - when you group a collection of links, for example, you
also differentiate the group from the elements around it.
Techniques for creating associations
Associating elements implies a
relationship of similarity, e.g. A, B, C are a group of equivalent
'peer' elements.
Groups can be created using any
combination of the following mechanisms:
- Grouping
- creating association through placing similar elements together
- Containment
- making one or more elements literally part of another element
- Alignment
- aligning elements along visible or invisible lines
- Rhythm - creates
relationships through repeating stylistic features
