What does 'visual hierarchy' refer to in design?

'Visual hierarchy' refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that guides users' attention in a design. It is about creating a clear structure that leads the viewer through the content, emphasizing what is most important and providing a logical flow of information. Designers achieve this through various means, including size, color, contrast, spacing, and placement of elements. By establishing a strong visual hierarchy, a designer can ensure that users intuitively understand which pieces of information to focus on first, making the overall user experience more effective and engaging.

This concept is fundamental in user experience design, as it directly influences how users interact with information and navigate through a layout. It helps in creating a seamless transition from one element to another and improves comprehension by making the key messages stand out.