Web+Hierarchy

The majority of websites have systematic hierarchies even more so than print documents. A site’s file structure proceeds from the root to various directories that contain different levels of content. An HTML page contains a hierarchy of the essentials of the website, that can be placed one inside the other. The organization of the website should be reflected in its visual interface including navigation and the presentation of content. Good typography rules is not exempted from the internet, they are needed to help bring about good hierarchy that will run the page, the access to content, and the general template of the website.

Dynamic websites call from databases to build pages in real time. Users are usually able to search these databases to find specific content. Databases can be viewed as an element that disturbs planned hierarchy as usually they can be search from the highest level to the lowest level of content and information. However, style sheets can unite and weight the information gathered by searches helping users find what they need even though no planned hierarchy is in use.

Strong typography is necessary for strong web hierarchy just as much as it is needed in print and various other media’s. CSS can help aid web accessibility as well as web hierarchy as it separates content from presentation and can then be interpreted by various accessibility tools. [|underconsideration.com/speakup/] || [|amazon.com] ||
 * [[image:Picture_7.png width="294" height="228" align="left"]] || A clear menu is useful for effective web hierarchy. Content is labeled and hierarchy is used through placement, colour, and typeface choice.
 * [[image:Picture_8.png width="291" height="179" align="left"]] || Hierarchy is used through clear menu options, colour, and placement of selected content in the center and right areas of the page.

References:

Lupton, Ellen. Thinking With Type. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2004.