visual-hierarchy

Apply size, weight, color, spacing, and positioning rules to prioritize content in web and mobile layouts.

38|5|Updated Feb 24, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/launchapp-dev/animus-cli --skill visual-hierarchy-launchapp-dev
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: visual-hierarchy
Source: https://github.com/launchapp-dev/animus-cli/tree/main/.claude/skills/visual-hierarchy
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/launchapp-dev/animus-cli --skill visual-hierarchy-launchapp-dev

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Establish clear visual hierarchy to guide users through interfaces, ensuring the most important content is seen first and scanning is efficient.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Size: Larger elements draw attention first. Use size differences of at least 1.5x for clear distinction.
  • Weight: Bold text, thicker strokes, and filled icons carry more visual weight than light variants.
  • Color and Contrast: High contrast attracts attention. Use color strategically for CTAs, status, and emphasis.
  • Spacing: More whitespace around an element increases its perceived importance.
  • Position: Top-left (in LTR layouts) gets seen first; above the fold matters; align with common scanning patterns.
  • Density: Isolated elements stand out. Grouped elements are scanned as a unit.
  • Hierarchy Levels: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary.
  • Common Patterns: Hero sections, Card layouts, Forms, Navigation.
  • Best Practices: Squint test to verify hierarchy remains clear, one primary action per view, avoid competing for attention, tell a story through hierarchy, test with real users.

Quick Start

Use a given UI mockup to define Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary emphasis and apply the hierarchy rules accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions about visual-hierarchy

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I establish clear visual hierarchy in a UI layout?

Use size, weight, color, spacing, and positioning to prioritize content in your UI layout. Define distinct hierarchy levels like Primary and Secondary to guide user attention and ensure efficient scanning across web and mobile interfaces.

What are the standard hierarchy levels for organizing interface content?

Standard hierarchy levels include Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary. These categories structure interface content by applying varying visual weights and spacing rules to prioritize information effectively within web and mobile layouts.

How much size difference is needed to distinguish UI elements?

Use a size difference of at least 1.5x to distinguish UI elements clearly. Larger elements draw attention first, while combining this scale with bold typography and high color contrast ensures proper visual weight for primary actions.

How can I verify if my interface has a clear visual hierarchy?

Verify visual hierarchy by applying the squint test to check if the structure remains clear. Ensure there is only one primary action per view and avoid competing elements to maintain efficient user scanning patterns and attention flow.

Can I apply visual hierarchy rules to both web and mobile layouts?

Visual hierarchy rules apply directly to both web and mobile layouts. The principles of spacing, positioning, and density isolate or group elements as needed, guiding user attention and structuring common patterns effectively across platforms.

Why does spacing and whitespace affect content importance in UI design?

Spacing affects content importance because more whitespace around an element increases its perceived value. Isolated elements stand out and draw attention immediately, while grouped elements are processed by users as a single visual unit.