How To Actually Use Layout Design Properly [Pro Tips]

Summary

This video offers essential tips for graphic designers struggling with layout challenges. It addresses common problems like cramped designs, unsuitable image placement, and disjointed flow. The video demonstrates how to effectively manage large amounts of text by resizing elements and creating white space, while also emphasizing the importance of image relevance and strategic placement. It highlights the value of establishing a clear visual hierarchy and intuitive navigation. Designers are encouraged to follow a logical structure and adhere to brand guidelines, using practical examples like the Adidas style guide to avoid rookie mistakes and improve design outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid cluttered designs by adjusting text size, fonts, and layout to create more white space.
• 😀 When handling a large amount of text, consider reducing font size and freeing up space to prevent a cramped look.
• 😀 Make sure image placement enhances the design's message and complements the text, not distracts from it.
• 😀 Ensure that your images are relevant to the content and context of your design, avoiding unnecessary distractions.
• 😀 Always select images that help tell the story or set the tone of your design, such as using hand-drawn illustrations for a cultural theme.
• 😀 Create a clear visual hierarchy by organizing design elements based on their importance using size, color, and typography.
• 😀 Establish natural visual pathways to guide the viewer's eye through your layout in a logical manner.
• 😀 Simplify navigation elements and ensure they are intuitive, with consistent placement and clear labels.
• 😀 Adhere to your client's style guide to avoid major design errors, including improper logo usage or incorrect typography.
• 😀 Branding guidelines, such as logo size and spacing, are crucial in ensuring that the design aligns with a company’s identity.

Q & A

What is the main challenge designers face when dealing with a lot of text in their layouts?

The main challenge is managing cramped layouts due to limited space for a large amount of text. Designers often struggle to fit all the content while maintaining readability and balance in the design.

How did the designer improve the brochure layout to make it more readable?

The designer made several changes: they adjusted the font choices, reduced the text size to create more white space, fixed gaps in the paragraph body text, and resized the furniture images to free up space while still accommodating the text.

What was the key design adjustment made to the pricing in the brochure?

The designer made the pricing bolder and changed the color of the price itself. This subtle change significantly improved the visual impact of the design.

What are the three main problems graphic designers face when it comes to image placement in layouts?

The three main problems are: inappropriate emphasis (images placed in prominent locations that don't relate to the main message), clashing images (images that disrupt the overall aesthetic), and irrelevant imagery (images that confuse or mislead the viewer).

How should designers choose images for their layouts?

Designers should ensure that the images directly relate to the content and message of the design. Images should complement the text, enhance understanding, and set the appropriate tone or emotion for the design.

What is the significance of context when selecting imagery for a design?

Context is crucial because it helps ensure the imagery aligns with the content and message of the design. When context is understood, it guides the selection of images that enhance the overall design, such as using hand-drawn illustrations for authenticity in certain designs.

What causes 'unintuitive flow' in design, and how can it be fixed?

'Unintuitive flow' occurs when content elements are placed randomly or in a disjointed order, making it difficult for the viewer to understand the intended sequence. To fix this, designers should establish a clear visual hierarchy and arrange content in a logical order, using visual cues to guide the viewer’s eye.

Why is visual hierarchy important in graphic design?

Visual hierarchy helps establish an organized flow of information by prioritizing key content. Designers use size, color, and typography to guide the viewer’s attention to the most important elements and ensure the design is easy to navigate.

What are some ways to create natural visual pathways in a layout?

Designers can create visual pathways by arranging elements sequentially according to the natural reading order and using visual cues like lines or directional elements to guide the viewer through the content.

How can designers simplify navigation in their layouts?

Designers can simplify navigation by keeping it intuitive and easy to understand, using consistent labels and placement for navigation buttons, and avoiding unnecessary options. Subtle cues like arrows or directional imagery can also guide the viewer.