Hierarchy
Hierarchy tells the user what matters most, what matters next, and what can wait.
Also heard as: visual hierarchy, priority ladder
Definition
Hierarchy is the ordered relationship between interface elements based on their relative importance and urgency.
Why it matters
Users make faster decisions when the interface presents a clear ladder of importance. Without hierarchy, everything feels equally urgent and equally optional.
Prompt language
- Rebuild the panel hierarchy so the decision, evidence, and supporting metadata each have distinct visual weight.
- Make the page read as headline first, action second, detail third instead of three equal columns.
Anti-patterns
- Treating titles, body text, metrics, and metadata as if they deserve the same size and contrast.
- Stacking too many callouts, badges, and secondary actions above the main task.
When to research more
Research more when the interface has several stakeholder goals, conversion pressure, or legal and compliance content competing with the core user task.
Related components
Provide top-level wayfinding and global actions.
Group related information into a bounded, scannable surface.
Reveal task advancement so users understand waiting and completion.
Related lessons
1.1 First Principles
1.3 Composition
1.3 Composition