Hierarchy of Information

The principle of hierarchy of information addresses the placement of information based on its relative importance to

other visual elements. The outcome of this ordering affects all of the other composition and organization principles. It also determines which information a user sees first and what a user is encouraged to do first. To further consider this principle, answer these questions regarding your application:

• Which information is most important to the user?
• What are the user’s priorities when the touch panel is started?
• What does the user want or need to do first, second, third, and so on?
• Will the order of information support or hamper the user’s progression through the interface?
• What should the user see on the screen first, second, third, and so on?

Whenever possible, the visual display should match the user’s priorities, but it can also be shaped by other elements you want to emphasize.