Discussion Point 1 - Visual Hierarchy and Grid

Discussion Point: How has use of visual hierarchy and grid evolved with the emergence of digital technologies over the traditions qualities and potential constraints inherent in letterpress? Find 2 examples to compare and contrast. 

Visual hierarchy and grids have evolved dramatically over time due to the emergence of new digital technologies. New technologies have allowed for grids and visual hierarchy to become more unique and interesting. Programs such as In Design allow girds and visual hierarchy to be changed and altered quickly and efficiently. Information and ideas can now be conveyed in many different distinctive and intriguing ways which helps capture the viewers attention. 

The traditional method of letterpress is very limited in terms of visual hierarchy and girds and is not as accurate and easy to change/alter as new technologies as it is all done manually thus more time consuming. 

Visual hierarchy and grids are important in sustaining a general overall feel and appearance to magazines. 

The evolution of the magazine Cleo demonstrates how the emergence of digital technologies have had a huge impact on the development of visual hierarchy and grids. Image one (one of the very first Cleo magazines published) portrays the limitations of letterpress. The type is all the same font, size and colour and all the type is placed on the very edges of the magazine with no variation. The grid is very simple and plain and not very eye catching.    

Image two shows a recent issue of Cleo magazine. A large range of fonts, sizes and colour have been used. This helps viewers differentiate between ideas and headings on the cover. The larger bolder headings demand more attention and appear more important, drawing the viewers eye to those headings first. The unique placement of text has also been used to create an eye catching and distinctive cover design.  It is evident that new technologies have played a large role in the development of visual hierarchy and grids allowing for more eye catching designs to be created efficiently and effectively. 

Image 1

Image 2