Balance

Creates the perception that there is equal distribution. This does not always imply that there is symmetry.

Contrast

Focuses on making items stand out by emphasising differences in size, colour, direction, and other characteristics.

Emphasis

Emphasis is an area that first attracts attention in a composition. This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in a composition.

Hierarchy

Shape

An element can also appear more hierarchical if it differs from other elements in a design. We naturally look first at the irregular shape in a design. If there are five of the same windows and one door on the front of a building, our attention will focus on the door first.

Placement

Last but not least, we can place elements in more hierarchical positions. Within a circle, the centre is the most hierarchical. The end of an axis is naturally more hierarchical than points along the line.

Whitespace

Incorporating space into a design helps reduce noise, increase readability, and/or create an illusion. White space is an important part of your layout strategy.