Legibilty and Visual Hierarchy

Legibility.

Legibility is very important when it comes to communicating with an audience. Whether it in the form of a poster or advertisement, billboard or photograph the information displayed must be visible and easy enough to be taken in efficiently but the viewer.

There are numerous factors which contribute to producing a good form of visual communication and they vary from typeface to colours, size of fonts and also its legibility when being used in different conditions.  

A good example is road signs for drivers. The signs are bright, big in size and readable at a glance with its large white and uncomplicated typeface which is vital for a driver. The colour red is used to symbolise danger and to draw attention quickly. This sign is legible as it works well for its purpose.

An example of bad legibility can be seen below on this tin of custard. The ‘how to make’ instructions are just far too small and the free space around the instructions suggest it could easily be made larger.

Again the construction notes of an aircraft. There’s far too much small type which makes it hard to read. No colour makes it unattractive and less inviting to read.

Visual Hierarchy.



Visual Hierarchy is used by all visual communicators as it is often something we create without even realising but when done effectively, it can really enhance the effect of how the audience will process information.  

Within everything we are presented with as viewers there is something which captures our attention first and this may or may not be the produces intended ‘immediate focus point’.

Below is a very clear example of visual hierarchy. The event, date and contact details are all present but are not all the same font size or boldness. The most important factor for the producer is the title of the event or – what the event is. This is clear as it is the biggest and boldest section of type on the page and is also situated right at the top page which suggests we are to see and read this first.

Another example of visual hierarchy

In this colourful poster below, the image of the face is definitely striking in its colour but even so, the white type next to it is even more eye catching because of the contrast in colour between the background and foreground. The website is less high up in visual hierarchy and this is why it is less visible and placed right at the bottom of the page.