Hierarchy

**Hierarchy**
Hierarchy is a system of organizing and structuring information based on level of importance in order to maximize the viewer's understanding of the content. It is important that Hierarchy is used in Graphic Design and Interactive system design, as it structures information, and results in clearer communication.

Hierarchy often involves breaking masses of information down into Primary, Secondary and Tertiary information, however more categories could be created to further divide Information. One could also think of hierarchical elements as either //parent// or //child// (Lidwell, 104). When a hierarchy is created, superordinate elements are the //parent// ones, while the subordinate ones are the //child// elements.

Hierarchy is crucial in the design of user interfaces and information design. Appropriate hierarchy will result in more user friendly interfaces, easier navigation, and clearer and quicker undersating. Ultimately, hierarchy is an organizational tool that should not be overlooked when designing, organizing and communicating information.

The following link features a simple, visual example of [|hierarchy].

This page itself presents an even better example of hierarchy. The most important information, the Wiki space identity and navigation (the 'parent' elements), are aligned in the left column of the page. The individual page name and individual page elements (like "Edit this page" and "history")are on the row below the main Wiki space title (as they are 'child' elements of that wiki space). This white box of information is right below, which can be acted upon directly by the 'child' row. This area is where information can be manipulated and changed, and the solid, almost unchanging elements are along the left and the top. Overall this hierarchical organization is efficient, as can be proven by the fact that the many group memebers of this Wikispace can manipulate it quickly and easily.

1. Lidwell, Wiliam et al. //Universal Principles of Design.// Rockport Publishers Inc, Massachussets. 2003. 2. Wikipedia "Hierarchy" 3. Graphic.org "Hierarchy Diagram" 4. Web Style Guide (2nd Edition) "Page Design: Visual Hierarchy"