ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the elements that go into the overall page design of a document. The chapter identifies the components by name and describes their individual functions in the presentation of information across a cohesive design. In this discussion, page layout refers to a design that brings together images and text into a single document. The size of the document may vary in terms of dimensions or volume (e.g., single page versus multipage), but the underlying goal is the same, to create an arrangement of content that presents a clear and cohesive message, in other words, visual hierarchy. The grid system is introduced as one technique that is often used to support visual hierarchy. This method divides a page or screen into defined areas, which are used to present content. The underlying grid structure encourages consistency and the ability to reproduce the layout across a project. The discussion of page layout continues, specifically focusing on designing a business card, brochure and magazine page. The role of the design principles (Balance, Alignment, Repetition, Contrast, Proximity and Space) is reviewed for each of these projects in the context of how each contributes to the visual hierarchy of the design. The chapter concludes with a discussion question based on the role of negative space in design. An end-of-chapter activity involves creating a business card.
