Perhaps one of the most important tasks of the designer, whether in print or on the Web, is to make sure that items that are conceptually connected actually show that connection. Many times, in their efforts to keep things modularly aligned, designers forget to use techniques that emphasize relationships.
Here are some of the best:
- If a short item is related to a major piece, box the small item — but not in a full box. Allow an opening to establish that the two items are related.
- If the related item is very short, place it in the midst of the longer article. Be careful not to make the reader jump too deeply before continuing the text.
- Use a color tint to highlight the related article and call attention to it.
- The secondary, related item should always be under the coverage of the headline for the main article.
- Do not use heavy borders around the related item.
Whatever technique is used, make sure that readers don’t have to second-guess your intentions, and that they see the established relationship in a matter of seconds.
Normally, that’s all the time they have!
All or a portion of this column was originally published in the IFRA newsletter.
