The Rule of Thirds in Web Design
Composition is critical in web design. Even the most beautiful image and creative design won’t resonate with audiences if the composition is off. Strong composition leads the viewers’ eyes on a journey, experiencing the content in the way the designer chooses. Using the rule of thirds in web design can help you connect with your audience more effectively and for longer periods of time.
What is the Definition of the Rule of Thirds?
Simply put, the rule of thirds in design means dividing an image or layout into thirds both vertically and horizontally, creating a grid with nine equal-sized sections. The boxes in the grid can be any dimension, depending on the size of the original visual, but they should be the same size compared to each other. Applying a grid allows the designer to put critical content elements in strategic places that will draw the viewer’s attention, and can be applied to any responsive web design.
The rule of thirds in web design originated as a photography concept. Often the presence of the rule of thirds can help distinguish a professional photographer’s work from a novice one’s. It is based on the longtime theory of the golden ratio in design, a mathematical ratio used to create perfect proportions of a rectangular shape. Both web design golden ratio theory and the rule of thirds in web design seek to bring balance and symmetry to visual displays.
How to Use the Rule of Thirds in Web Design
Using the rule of thirds in your design helps you to understand where the viewer’s eyes are naturally drawn – the points where the lines on the grid converge. The top left intersection is likely to draw a user’s eyes first, followed by the one below it, then the upper right and bottom right. You can then create your design with the most important elements of your content in those areas. You can also apply the rule of thirds by placing graphic elements off-center, flanking the middle column or row in the grid with attention-grabbing features.
The rule of thirds in your web design can be applied to every photo and visual element, from the smallest graphic fragment to the overall layout – ensuring every piece of your site is as impactful as possible.
Breaking the Rule
Like any standard in art, web design rules are made to be broken, including the rule of thirds. In fact, intentionally breaking the rule of thirds in your web design or shifting things slightly can make some of your visual elements even more compelling. But to break a rule, you must know it first. The rule of thirds is everywhere in design – you can choose to work against it, but you can’t pretend it doesn’t exist.
Your design elements should always fit with your brand, and you should feel empowered to experiment following it, breaking it, and combining the two until you find what’s right for you.
Now that you know the rule of thirds, you will probably begin to see it everywhere. You’re welcome, or maybe we’re sorry? Regardless, hopefully you will also see it in your company’s design strategy. If we can help you incorporate the rule of thirds in web design into your business web design and development, please contact our team today. Many talented web developers can build you a website, but you need more than just a web presence to generate business and build your brand. At Paradigm, we work with you to develop your short- and long-term marketing plans and ensure your design will support your current needs and can scale to anticipate your future growth.
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