Tools for Achieving Balance

The layout of elements on a page can drastically change its effect on the reader or viewer. Good layouts consider visual balance, but Jacci suggests that effective designs also consider:

• The Rule of Thirds
• The Visual Center of the Page
• The Use of Grids

The Rule of Thirds
Strong layouts divide the page into three horizontal rows and three vertical columns, and then place useful information on the page within those sections.

A design with three rows might include a title, image, then details. A three-column layout might present three images, then provide specific information at the bottom of the page (conveniently, in the bottom row of three).

By imaging the page into rows and columns, the designer also creates dividing lines and intersections. Those lines and points can be exploited because they focus the viewer.

The Visual Center of the Page
It is useful to know that the visual center of the page is not at dead center. The visual center usually sits just above and to the right of the actual center of the page.

Putting key information or imagery at the visual center will help anchor a design and focus the viewer.

The Use of Grids
Basically all layouts use some sort of grid (visible or invisible) to divide up the page into useful bits. There are various types of grids with different functions ... so this is a topic for further discussion.