A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about Clustering vs. Layering. I was amazed at the response to the article! So many people sharing which they prefer to do, and tips for each, it was truly awesome.
One thing that I heard loud and clear is that some people wanted some tips on how to cluster. Today, I’m going to share with you the top three tips I use when I am clustering.
Clusters work when they are anchored to something on the page – Clusters are often more effective when they are touching some other part of the page, maybe the photo, or even the edges of the layout. When the cluster is anchored, it appears to have more purpose on the page. On this page, you can see that my cluster is anchored to both the edge of the page and to one of the photos.
Rule of Threes – The Rule of Threes is so prevalent in all design. When you are clustering, the rule of threes means that you are adding things to your page in threes. For example, you add three flowers or three buttons. It also can mean that you have three smaller clusters. When the Rule of Threes is in place on a page, it is more visually appealing to the eye. In this layout, you can see that each cluster has three flowers in it.
Think about how you cluster – I like to think about it as though it’s a real paper page. For example, I wouldn’t put a paper tag over a large 3D flower in real life, so I apply that rule to my pages. The larger, bulkier items should go towards the top of the cluster, and the flatter layers should go towards the bottom. On this layout, my flatter flowers are on the bottom of the cluster and the more 3D flowers are on top, with a word strip sandwiched in between.
Those are my top three tips for clustering. Do you cluster on your pages? What are your tips?
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