What is the primary purpose of visual hierarchy in design?

The primary purpose of visual hierarchy in design is to guide the viewer's eye through the content. Visual hierarchy helps to prioritize information, making it clear which elements are most important and how they relate to one another. By using various design techniques, such as size, color, contrast, spacing, and alignment, designers can create a structured visual flow that navigates the viewer's attention to key areas on the page or screen. This intentional arrangement aids in effective communication, allowing the audience to process information quickly and efficiently, enhancing their overall experience with the design.

Creating intricate patterns, limiting color use, or increasing visual complexity does not focus on directing attention or enhancing understanding, which is what visual hierarchy fundamentally seeks to achieve.