What are the most effective ways to test visual hierarchy in mobile design prototypes?

3 Apply the five-second test

The five-second test is a simple and quick way to test your visual hierarchy by showing users your mobile screen for only five seconds and then asking them questions about it. The five-second test can help you evaluate how well your visual hierarchy communicates your main message, value proposition, or call to action. You can use the five-second test to measure users' first impressions, recall, and comprehension of your mobile design, and see if they can identify the most important elements and actions. The five-second test can also help you optimize your visual hierarchy for clarity, simplicity, and relevance.

4 Use contrast and size

Contrast and size are two of the most powerful ways to create and test visual hierarchy in mobile design. Contrast is the difference between two or more elements that makes them stand out from each other. Size is the relative dimension of an element that indicates its importance or priority. You can use contrast and size to test your visual hierarchy by adjusting the colors, shapes, textures, or spacing of your elements, and seeing how they affect users' attention and perception. You can use contrast and size to highlight, emphasize, or differentiate your elements, and create a clear and logical order for your mobile design.

5 Ask for feedback

Feedback is an essential part of testing and improving your visual hierarchy in mobile design. Feedback is the information you get from users, stakeholders, or peers about your mobile design. You can ask for feedback to test your visual hierarchy by using various methods, such as surveys, interviews, reviews, or comments. You can ask for feedback to understand users' needs, goals, and pain points, and how your visual hierarchy helps or hinders them. You can ask for feedback to evaluate the usability, aesthetics, and functionality of your mobile design, and how your visual hierarchy supports or enhances them. You can ask for feedback to learn from users' opinions, suggestions, and criticisms, and how you can improve your visual hierarchy accordingly.