User Experience
Hierarchy
Plain English
What stands out first and what comes next.
Definition
Hierarchy is the organisation of elements to show importance and guide user attention.
In practice
Used in glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term, content, and glossaryNavigationNavigation is the system of menus, links, and cues that lets people move through a product and reach what they need. It exposes the underlying structure, and is how most users experience that structure.Open glossary term to prioritise information.
In context
It is the first thing to fix on a page that feels cluttered. Clutter is usually not too many elements but too many competing for the same level of attention.
The reality
Poor hierarchy glossaryLeadA lead is a potential customer who has shown interest in a product or service, typically by providing contact information or engaging with content.Open glossary term to confusion and missed actions.
Compared with
Hierarchy vs Layout
Hierarchy is the order of importance you want communicated. glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term is the arrangement that delivers it. A tidy layout with no hierarchy gives every element equal weight, which is a decision not to guide anyone.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is hierarchy in UX?
Organising elements by importance.
Why is it important?
It guides user attention.
How is it created?
Through size, position, and contrast.
What happens if it is poor?
Users get confused.
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