Asymmetrical editorial layout

Unequal scale and whitespace create a lively reading order.

Visual traits

• Asymmetrical placement
• Whitespace with varied emphasis

Expected changes

• Element size and position are more likely to vary in emphasis
• Whitespace is more likely to support reading order

Definition

An editorial layout that deliberately balances images and text of unequal size, position, and spacing to create an asymmetrical reading order. It does not determine a particular art style, subject, or publication format.

In more detail

It guides the eye through emphasis and whitespace instead of mirroring elements around a central axis. Content, color, typeface, and image style remain separate choices.

Includes

• A layout that orders information through asymmetrical size, position, and whitespace

Excludes

• Symmetrical composition itself
• A particular art style or subject
• A final format such as print

What this does not imply

• A particular art style, subject, or color
• A symmetrical composition
• A final format such as print

Variability

An asymmetrical arrangement still needs balance and legibility.

Usage

• Specify only layout asymmetry
• Specify content and art style separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Also specify deliberate emphasis and whitespace

Typical uses

• Create a page that moves the eye
• Vary emphasis between image and text

Possible failure modes

• Elements scatter without relationship
• Weak hierarchy loses the reading order