Centered information hierarchy

The eye travels along a central axis from primary to supporting information.

Visual traits

• Central axis
• Priority through scale

Expected changes

• Elements are more likely to align to a central axis
• Size and spacing are more likely to show priority

Definition

A layout that aligns headings, images, and supporting material on a central axis and uses differences in size, spacing, and position to show information priority. It does not determine a particular art style, subject, or final format.

In more detail

It leads the eye from primary information to supporting material without giving every centered element equal weight. Content, color, typeface, and image style remain separate choices.

Includes

• An information layout using a central axis and size differences to create reading order

Excludes

• A single subject merely placed in the center
• An asymmetrical layout
• A particular art style or final format

What this does not imply

• A single centered subject
• A particular typeface, art style, or color
• A final format such as print

Variability

Scale and spacing vary to create hierarchy even when alignment is centered.

Usage

• Specify only the central-axis information layout
• Specify content and typeface separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish it from a composition with one centered subject

Typical uses

• Organize centered headings and supporting material
• Create a reading order from primary information to detail

Possible failure modes

• All elements have equal emphasis and priority disappears
• It is confused with a single centered composition