What is Layout? 7 Secrets of Beautiful Layout Design
What is Layout Design?
Layout design (or Layout design) is the process of arranging graphic elements and typefaces for a publication. The purpose of this process is to grab the viewer's attention. It also helps the publication to convey a certain message. Layout design is important with any publication that needs to convey a message through images. For example, magazines, website interfaces or general advertising publications.
A good composition should be both lively and coherent. When building layouts, most designers will follow basic rules such as alignment, information hierarchy, or use of space.
5 elements in layout design:
Text: The text sections in the layout include the main header, subheader, header, footer, and body paragraphs. For websites, text also includes command bars and menus. Each typography style will bring different feelings. Consideration of flexible font combinations also contributes to increased communication efficiency.
Contour: Refers to how far any two points are connected. Whether it is a straight, diagonal or oblique line, it also has the effect of directing the viewer's eye to a certain part of the design. Lines also serve as a boundary between different parts of a publication.
Cubic: Basically, a cube is a 2-dimensional space surrounded with contours. Circles, squares, triangles or any other shape can serve as visual part of the composition.
White Space (Negative Space): The space between objects is just as important as the visual elements. If used properly, white space can attract attention and highlight a design.
5 rules of layout design:
Alignment: The technique of arranging elements in a design so that they show their relationship to each other. Repetition of elements is also a way to create consistency in the design. With the text part, the alignment is usually about 3 points: left, right or center.
Information Hierarchy: A good layout must master how to hierarchize clusters of information into major subsections. In particular, the main space of the design will be the most prominent information that needs to be remembered. Hierarchy can be through size, color, contrast or placement.
Contrast: A method used in tandem with alignment and balance, making designs more eye-catching and appealing. Pair elements with contrasting colors, shapes or fonts for a unique visual effect.
Balance: In layout design, balance is created through geometric symmetry. Or even the asymmetrical arrangement of objects.
Neighborhood: Indicates the distance (near) of elements in the composition. This is the method of creating a mutual connection of parts.
7 layout design secrets:
Build mood boards
Try making a compilation of design inspirations for your product. Keywords like “page layout”, “color scheme”, “typography”, … will give a lot of references. Moodboard is also a guide to remind designers of the style they are trying to build for the design.
Link design with content
Think about the content as well as the audience the design is targeting. For example, if you design a magazine, you should read the content carefully to choose the most suitable concept. Or when building a landing page for a brand, you need to consider the brand identity to create the right style.
Refer to the template
If you're building layouts for your website, it's not a bad idea to refer to available online templates. This is a way to learn more about balance and vibrancy for composition.
Create Intuitive Contrast
Look for solutions to create visual contrasts that instantly catch the eye of the design.
Variations with typography
Choosing typography is one of the most important tasks to properly represent your brand identity. Mixing fonts in the same family can bring consistency and coherence to a design.
Take advantage of negative space
Using negative space purposefully helps create a better visual effect than a thick and messy composition. When mockup on the product, if the design is too messy, change the light to a more minimalist and neater direction.
Test the rules
The information about the layout above hopefully has partly helped you have the most general picture of this extremely important task in the design.