Visual Hierarchy: Style and Texture
Aleksandra S.
UX & UI Designer | Creator | I build simple, intuitive products with psychology-driven design
Welcome Back! ??
In the last post, we explored whitespace and how it shapes visual hierarchy.
Today, let’s shift gears and talk about style and texture.
At first glance, these might seem like purely aesthetic choices, but they’re much more than that.
Style and texture can dictate how users interact with your design, how easily they navigate through it, and how they feel while doing so.
When used thoughtfully, they can guide attention, create a sense of balance, and even set the emotional tone of the user experience.
So, why do they deserve more of our focus in terms of visual hierarchy?
Simply put, style and texture can shape how your design “flows” and how users engage with each part of it.
Let’s take a closer look at their role in establishing an engaging visual hierarchy:
What’s Inside:
??Style refers to the visual language of your design elements—such as typography, shapes, or the overall feel of your buttons.
It’s about how elements look and how they fit into the bigger picture.
??Texture, on the other hand, is more tactile.
It can be a background pattern or the smoothness of a button. It adds depth, creates contrast, and, when used well, directs attention to key areas.
These two elements, when combined, help establish a visual rhythm and influence the flow of information.
Both style and texture directly impact usability, guiding users through the experience in ways they might not even realize.
Why Style and Texture Matter in Visual Hierarchy
1?? Style Establishes Contrast and Focus
Let’s take typography, for instance.
A bold headline draws the eye, while softer body text fades into the background, right?
This contrast helps establish what’s most important.
And it’s not just about size, but about how your choice of fonts, weights, and shapes directs the user’s attention.
Users tend to skip over large chunks of text if it’s hard to read or too dense.
Style—whether through type choices or visual design—helps mitigate this.
When you make sure your key points stand out with proper typographic weight or unique styling, it guides the user to where they need to focus.
?? What to Do:
Use bold or distinctive typefaces for headings.
Contrast these with lighter, more neutral fonts for body text.
Stick to a consistent style for body elements.
2?? Texture Adds Depth
Texture can be subtle, but it’s incredibly effective.
A textured background can create a sense of depth, while a flat design might feel more minimalist or modern.
As always, the key is in balance. Too much texture can overwhelm, but too little can make a design feel flat and lifeless.
Texture adds an element of tactile interest that signals users to pause or pay attention.
It also helps with the legibility of content, especially when layered over simple backgrounds. For example, a faint pattern on the background can make text feel more grounded and less “floating.”
?? What to Do:
Use textures to define sections or add subtle visual weight to important elements.
Avoid overwhelming the design with too many textures. Focus on creating contrast by combining textured elements with more neutral areas.
Use a texture like a gradient or subtle noise to make CTAs or important links stand out.
?Practical Ways to Use Style and Texture
Let’s talk more about specifics—how can you apply style and texture in ways that impact your users’ experience?
领英推荐
? Typography
When choosing fonts, don't focus solely on their appearance. Consider how they’ll guide the user’s experience and help direct their attention.
Easy-to-read text can improve reading speed and aid comprehension.
When you pair a bold, structured header with softer body text, you’ll create a smooth flow that makes reading feel easier.
? Buttons and Interactive Elements
Buttons with a bit of texture can be far more inviting than flat ones. A subtle shadow, for example, creates a sense of tangibility, signalling to users that these elements are clickable.
One study revealed a remarkable 416% increase in clicks after switching from flat to 3D buttons.
This improvement likely stems from the enhanced affordance of tactile-looking buttons, which are easier for users to identify as interactive.
When users feel confident about where to click, their interaction becomes smoother, and the experience feels more intuitive.
??Backgrounds and Overlays
A well-chosen background texture or pattern can effectively create separation between sections. It can also add an element of sophistication and depth to the design.
Let’s take a background gradient, for example, when used well, it can subtly lead a user to a CTA button, directing their attention and making the button stand out.
Textured or varied backgrounds create easy-to-identify visual distinctions, providing subtle guidance without being overt.
??Hover States
Interactive elements benefit from hover states that introduce a slight change in texture or style.
This immediate feedback, whether it’s a subtle colour change or a slight shadow effect, reassures users that they’re interacting with something clickable.
This not only enhances usability but also adds an emotional layer to the experience—users feel in control, and that builds confidence.
? Takeaways:
1?? Style is about creating contrast and guiding focus.
Use bold elements for primary actions and softer styles for secondary content.
2?? Texture adds depth, defines sections, and guides attention to important elements.
3?? Avoid overwhelming the user with too much texture or too many styles. Use them sparingly to keep things simple and intuitive.
When it comes to designing for usability, style and texture aren’t just decorative choices, there’s a reason why we use them the way we do—they’re essential tools that help users navigate the content, and focus on what matters.
The next time you design a page, consider how these two elements work together to create a balanced, engaging experience.
A good design shouldn’t just be pleasing to the eye, it should guide users through the experience.
Style and texture are key to making that journey feel intuitive and engaging.
What are your thoughts? ??
?? Don't forget to hit subscribe for fresh content weekly! ??
?? I’m open to new opportunities in UX and Product Design. ??
This space thrives because of YOU. ??
If the resources I share help you grow in your career, a small contribution from you could keep this community strong.
Together, we’re building a space to learn, grow, and support each other on this design journey.
Every bit helps, and by supporting me, you're directly helping keep this space alive and growing.??
??? Buy Me a Coffee.
See you next week ??
Connect with me here too:
?? Blog
Sources:
#UX #UIDesign #UserInterface #UserInterfaceDesign #Usability #UXDesign #DailyUX #ProductDesign #UXD #CreativeDesign #Tech #DesignThinking #Digital #VisualHierarchy #DesignTips #UXBestPractices #VisualDesign #Style #Texture